Major Depressive Disorder

Major depressive disorder is also known as clinical depression. It refers to having low mood, energy, and functioning for at least two weeks.

Major Depressive Disorder, Explained in Under 2 Minutes1:48

Depression: Overview1:50

Common Myths About Depression, Debunked2:22

Women Have Higher Global Rates of Depression Than Men — But Why?1:27

Symptoms of Depression: How Your Gender May Play a Role1:22

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.

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.

References

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

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

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.

This information is for informational purposes only and is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. GoodRx is not offering advice, recommending or endorsing any specific prescription drug, pharmacy or other information on the site. GoodRx provides no warranty for any information. Please seek medical advice before starting, changing or terminating any medical treatment.