Depression—also called "clinical depression" or a "depressive disorder"—is a mood disorder that can causes distressing symptoms. It is one of the most prevalent mental diseases in China.

 

Symptoms of depression can include difficulty sleeping, loss of interest or pleasure, difficulty remembering, or even thoughts of death or suicide. To be diagnosed with depression, symptoms must be present most of the day, nearly every day for at least 2 weeks. The disease is twice as likely to occur in females as in males. Specific periods, such as pregnancy, abortion, childbirth and menopause, are among peak times for female depression.

 

People between the ages of 20 and 60 are also more likely to suffer from depression. Around 30 million people in China are said to suffer from the condition. However, a report from the National Health and Family Planning Commission shows that the outpatient rate in recent years is still less than 10 percent. Medications and psychotherapy are helpful treatments for depression, although antidepressant medications may present serious risks to some, especially children and adolescents.