Depressive

Depressive is an adjective used to describe depression or features related to it. In clinical language, it refers to symptoms, episodes, or disorders in which a depressive mood is central. It is not a standalone disorder, but a descriptor applied to conditions such as major depressive disorder, persistent depressive disorder, or depressive symptoms that occur in other psychiatric conditions.

Common features associated with depressive states include persistent sadness or emptiness, loss of interest or pleasure (anhedonia), fatigue, sleep disturbances (insomnia or hypersomnia), appetite or weight changes, psychomotor changes, concentration difficulties, feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt, and thoughts of death or suicide. For major depressive disorder, symptoms usually persist for at least two weeks and cause clinically significant distress or impairment; persistent depressive disorder involves a longer duration with less severe but chronic symptoms.

Causes are multifactorial, involving genetic vulnerability, neurobiological factors, life stressors, and environmental influences. Depression can be diagnosed based on clinical evaluation using standardized criteria from manuals such as the DSM-5-TR or ICD-11, while also considering medical conditions and substance use that may contribute to depressive features.

Treatment is tailored to the individual and may include psychotherapy (for example, cognitive-behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, or behavioral activation), pharmacotherapy (antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, or other agents), and, in some cases, brain stimulation therapies (electroconvulsive therapy or repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation). Supportive measures, lifestyle changes, and ongoing monitoring for safety are important components of care.

Prognosis varies; many people improve with appropriate treatment, though some experience recurrent episodes. The term “depressive” emphasizes mood-related aspects of these conditions and is widely used in clinical and research contexts.