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
Methylphenidate Bupropion 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

(Wellbutrin)
Type
Prescription Drug
How many have tried
16,078
Tried for
major depressive disorder (68)
Treatment

(Cymbalta)
Type
Prescription Drug
How many have tried
11,850
Tried for
major depressive disorder (63)
Treatment

(Zoloft)
Type
Prescription Drug
How many have tried
19,133
Tried for
major depressive disorder (61)
Treatment

(Lexapro)
Type
Prescription Drug
How many have tried
10,540
Tried for
major depressive disorder (49)
Treatment

(Prozac)
Type
Prescription Drug
How many have tried
18,363
Tried for
major depressive disorder (45)

*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

(Wellbutrin)
Perceived effectiveness
for major depressive disorder (23 evaluations)
Side effects
anger anxious mood 3 more
Total evaluations
23
Tried for
major depressive disorder (68)
Treatment

(Cymbalta)
Perceived effectiveness
for major depressive disorder (39 evaluations)
Side effects
pain
Total evaluations
39
Tried for
major depressive disorder (63)
Treatment

(Zoloft)
Perceived effectiveness
for major depressive disorder (22 evaluations)
Side effects
suicidal thoughts or urges bloodshot eyes 7 more
Total evaluations
22
Tried for
major depressive disorder (61)
Treatment

(Lexapro)
Perceived effectiveness
for major depressive disorder (12 evaluations)
Side effects
decreased sex drive (libido)
Total evaluations
12
Tried for
major depressive disorder (49)
Treatment

(Prozac)
Perceived effectiveness
for major depressive disorder (14 evaluations)
Side effects
anger decreased appetite 3 more
Total evaluations
14
Tried for
major depressive disorder (45)

*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
<20 243
20s 2,866
30s 8,001
40s 13,330
50s 17,663
60s 15,512
70+ 6,274

Distribution of sex

Sex

Sex Proportion # of patients
Male 13,608
Female 50,008