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01:48

Major Depressive Disorder, Explained in Under 2 Minutes

Occasional sadness is normal, but persistent low mood for more than a couple weeks may be a sign of depression.

Lauren Smith, MASanjai Sinha, MD
Written by Lauren Smith, MA | Reviewed by Sanjai Sinha, MD
Updated on April 4, 2025

Major depressive disorder (MDD) may cause you to feel down, sad, empty, lethargic, and/or apathetic for weeks or even months at a time — sometimes longer. In this video, learn what MDD is, the symptoms of MDD, and the most common treatment options.

You can read more about depression and how it’s treated here.

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References

American Psychiatric Association. (2020). What is depression?

American Psychological Association. (2023). Understanding psychotherapy and how it works

View All References (3)

Bains, N., et al. (2022). Major depressive disorder. StatPearls.

MedlinePlus. (2022). Antidepressants.

World Health Organization. (2023). Depressive disorder (depression).

GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.

For additional resources or to connect with mental health services in your area, call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357. For immediate assistance, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988, or text HOME to 741-741 to reach the Crisis Text Line.

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