Caffeine is a stimulant found in many beverages, such as coffee, soda and energy drinks. Antidepressants are a specific class of prescription medication designed to improve mood.

“Down in the dumps” doesn’t touch the level of misery some experience when they’re depressed. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, the NIMH, major depression is the leading cause of disability in the United States in people ages 15 to 44.

Depression in a friend or family member can be a tricky situation to contend with, since it often leads to social withdrawal. Your depressed loved one will likely avoid activities she previously enjoyed. She'll lack the energy to do much of anything. She might not be sleeping well.

Losing a parent, no matter your age, can be heartbreaking, traumatizing and overwhelming. Everyone deals with the loss of a loved one differently and experiences different emotions. At one moment a person who has lost a parent might be angry and irritable, and the next moment be sobbing and sad.

Possible interactions between antidepressants and some vitamins dictate that you should be careful of taking any supplemental vitamins when undergoing treatment with anti-depressant medications because you may negate the action of the antidepressant.

Magnesium is an essential mineral that's necessary for good health, including proper mental functioning. Although some research links magnesium deficiency to depression, there is no established recommended magnesium dosage for depression treatment.

Depression is a serious condition that affects millions of Americans. Many people believe that depression is "all in your head" and that it can be controlled without the attention of a physician. However, depression is caused by a disruption of chemicals in the brain, most notably serotonin.

If you have you ever been addicted to a behavior, such as shopping or gambling, you've lacked focus or motivation to complete a task, or you've suffered from depression, brain chemicals may be the cause. At the center of these complex behaviors are two powerful neurotransmitters, dopamine and serotonin.

Dopamine and serotonin are chemical messengers in the brain called neurotransmitters. Dopamine stimulates pleasure and alertness. Serotonin stimulates peacefulness and sleep. The levels of these neurotransmitters are indirectly related to mood, according to research published in the journal "Molecular Psychiatry."

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter and hormone that's found throughout the body. If you have too little serotonin, it could lead to unwelcome changes such as mood disorders, depression or digestive upset. This imbalance is called serotonin deficiency. There may not be a cure for it, but treatment is available.

Depression is a serious mental health disorder. It is a true condition that differs from occasional short periods of sadness in that it is consistent and interferes with daily functioning. This illness takes several forms including "major" depression, which is generally episodic and often recurring.

MAOI refers to a category of antidepressant drugs known as "monoamine oxidase inhibitors" that alleviate depression by stopping (inhibiting) the monoamine oxidase enzyme from metabolizing chemical messengers (neurotransmitters) within the nervous system.