Depression

Depression is a psychological illness that is characterized by great sadness, a feeling of hopelessness or a loss of motivation. It can greatly disrupt daily life and affect sleep, nutrition and general health, as well as family, school or work. Depression is a disabling illness that can lead to the risk of suicide in the most severe cases

Depression is a common but serious mood disorder that affects the way you feel, think and manage daily activities such as sleeping, eating or working

To be diagnosed with depression, symptoms must be present for at least two weeks. Depression is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide and affects women more than men

Several biomarkers may be associated with depression. Here are some examples of biomarkers that have been studied:

• Neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, which may be involved in the regulation of mood and emotion.
• Hormones, such as cortisol, which may be elevated in people with depression.
• Inflammatory markers, such as C-reactive protein (CRP), which may be elevated in people with depression.
• Genetic markers, such as variations in genes involved in the regulation of mood and emotion.
• Brain imaging markers, such as activity in certain brain regions, which may be associated with depression.