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

(Zoloft)
Type
Prescription Drug
How many have tried
19,134
Tried for
major depressive disorder (56)
Treatment

(Cymbalta)
Type
Prescription Drug
How many have tried
11,849
Tried for
major depressive disorder (52)
Treatment

(Lexapro)
Type
Prescription Drug
How many have tried
10,545
Tried for
major depressive disorder (49)
Treatment

(Wellbutrin)
Type
Prescription Drug
How many have tried
16,079
Tried for
major depressive disorder (47)
Treatment

(Prozac)
Type
Prescription Drug
How many have tried
18,363
Tried for
major depressive disorder (41)

*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 (18 evaluations)
Side effects
decreased sex drive (libido) dizzy spells 1 more
Total evaluations
18
Tried for
major depressive disorder (56)
Treatment

(Cymbalta)
Perceived effectiveness
for major depressive disorder (42 evaluations)
Side effects
pain
Total evaluations
42
Tried for
major depressive disorder (52)
Treatment

(Lexapro)
Perceived effectiveness
for major depressive disorder (15 evaluations)
Side effects
decreased sex drive (libido)
Total evaluations
15
Tried for
major depressive disorder (49)
Treatment

(Wellbutrin)
Perceived effectiveness
for major depressive disorder (22 evaluations)
Side effects
anger anxious mood 1 more
Total evaluations
22
Tried for
major depressive disorder (47)
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 (41)

*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
<20 285
20s 2,546
30s 7,626
40s 12,961
50s 17,500
60s 16,282
70+ 7,545

Distribution of sex

Sex

Sex Proportion # of patients
Male 13,745
Female 50,592