What is major depressive disorder?

Major depressive disorder, also known as clinical depression, is marked by depressed mood, inactivity, lack of interest, insomnia, feelings of worthlessness, diminished ability to think, and may include thoughts of suicide.

How do members experience major depressive disorder?

Top 5 symptoms reported by people with major depressive disorder*

Common symptoms
How bad it is
What people are taking for it
Common symptom
Loss of energy
How bad it is
What people are taking for it
Bupropion Methylphenidate Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin)
Common symptom
Stress
How bad it is
What people are taking for it
Listen to Music Cigarettes Relaxation Techniques
Common symptom
Overwhelmed
How bad it is
What people are taking for it
Earplugs Naps Breathing exercises (such as respiratory therapy or using a meter)
Common symptom
Lack of motivation
How bad it is
What people are taking for it
Amphetamine-Dextroamphetamine Lisdexamfetamine Bupropion
Common symptom
Feelings of deep sadness
How bad it is
What people are taking for it
Sertraline Bupropion Individual Therapy

*Reports may be affected by other conditions and/or medication side effects. We ask about general symptoms (anxious mood, depressed mood, fatigue, pain, and stress) regardless of condition.

Top treatments taken by people for major depressive disorder*

Treatment
Type
How many have tried
Tried for
Treatment

(Zoloft)
Type
Prescription Drug
How many have tried
19,134
Tried for
major depressive disorder (51)
Treatment

(Lexapro)
Type
Prescription Drug
How many have tried
10,545
Tried for
major depressive disorder (46)
Treatment

(Cymbalta)
Type
Prescription Drug
How many have tried
11,850
Tried for
major depressive disorder (45)
Treatment

(Wellbutrin)
Type
Prescription Drug
How many have tried
16,079
Tried for
major depressive disorder (43)
Treatment

(Prozac)
Type
Prescription Drug
How many have tried
18,363
Tried for
major depressive disorder (35)

*Data from patients with major depressive disorder, who have ever reported treatments, ordered by their reporting frequency during the last 5 years.

Compare treatments taken by people with major depressive disorder*

Treatment
Perceived effectiveness
Side effects
Total evaluations
Tried for
Treatment

(Zoloft)
Perceived effectiveness
for major depressive disorder (16 evaluations)
Side effects
suicidal thoughts or urges
Total evaluations
16
Tried for
major depressive disorder (51)
Treatment

(Lexapro)
Perceived effectiveness
for major depressive disorder (13 evaluations)
Side effects
decreased sex drive (libido)
Total evaluations
13
Tried for
major depressive disorder (46)
Treatment

(Cymbalta)
Perceived effectiveness
for major depressive disorder (41 evaluations)
Side effects
pain
Total evaluations
41
Tried for
major depressive disorder (45)
Treatment

(Wellbutrin)
Perceived effectiveness
for major depressive disorder (21 evaluations)
Side effects
anxious mood seizures (grand mal or tonic-clonic)
Total evaluations
21
Tried for
major depressive disorder (43)
Treatment

(Prozac)
Perceived effectiveness
for major depressive disorder (11 evaluations)
Side effects
difficulty staying asleep dry mouth
Total evaluations
12
Tried for
major depressive disorder (35)

*Data from patients with major depressive disorder, who have ever reported treatments, ordered by their reporting frequency during the last 5 years.

Who has major depressive disorder on PatientsLikeMe?

Age

Age Proportion # of patients
<20 279
20s 2,523
30s 7,602
40s 12,910
50s 17,434
60s 16,337
70+ 7,715

Distribution of sex

Sex

Sex Proportion # of patients
Male 13,761
Female 50,626