Depression Glossary
Clear, practical definitions of the key terms used to understand depression — from the science to everyday life.
A
Anhedonia
Anhedonia is the inability, or a marked reduction in the ability, to feel pleasure in activities that used to be enjoyab…
See definition →ACT — Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT, pronounced as the word "act") is a third-wave CBT approach that proposes a diffe…
See definition →B
Behavioral Activation
Behavioral Activation (BA) is one of the most effective CBT techniques for depression. It rests on the observation that,…
See definition →Bipolar Disorder and depression
Bipolar Disorder (BD) is characterized by episodes that alternate between depression and mania or hypomania (states of e…
See definition →Bupropion
Bupropion is an antidepressant with a unique mechanism — it inhibits the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine (NDRI),…
See definition →C
Cortisol and depression
Cortisol is the body's main stress hormone, produced by the adrenal glands in response to activation of the hypothalamic…
See definition →Community Mental Health Center
A community mental health center is a publicly funded or low-cost mental health service that offers multidisciplinary ca…
See definition →D
Dysthymia — Persistent Depressive Disorder
Dysthymia (current clinical name: Persistent Depressive Disorder) is a form of chronic depression that is milder in inte…
See definition →Depressive episode
A depressive episode is a bounded period of depressive symptoms that meets diagnostic criteria (usually those for MDD), …
See definition →Depressive rumination
Rumination is a repetitive, passive pattern of thinking focused on depressed mood and its possible meanings and conseque…
See definition →Depression in men
Depression in men is frequently underdiagnosed because it often presents differently from the classic description. While…
See definition →M
MDD — Major Depressive Disorder
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is the most common and clearly defined clinical form of depression under the DSM-5. It i…
See definition →Masked Depression (Smiling Depression)
Masked depression (or "smiling depression") is an informal term for people who have clinical depression but appear to be…
See definition →P
Postpartum Depression (PPD)
Postpartum depression is a major depressive episode that occurs during pregnancy or within the first four weeks after ch…
See definition →Psychoeducation
Psychoeducation is the process of providing clear, structured information about a mental health condition (its diagnosis…
See definition →R
Remission and recovery in depression
Remission means a significant reduction of depressive symptoms to a minimal level — not the total absence of symptoms, b…
See definition →Risk factors for depression
Risk factors are characteristics or circumstances that increase the likelihood of developing depression — but don't guar…
See definition →S
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a subtype of depression with a seasonal pattern: recurring depressive episodes that…
See definition →SSRI — Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
SSRIs are the most widely prescribed class of antidepressants in the world and the first-line pharmacological treatment …
See definition →SNRI — Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors
SNRIs are a class of antidepressants that act on two systems: they block the reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephri…
See definition →Suicidal ideation
Suicidal ideation refers to thoughts about suicide, which vary in intensity from passive ("I wish I didn't exist anymore…
See definition →Serotonin and depression
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter produced mainly in the gut (90%) and in the brainstem. In the central nervous system, it…
See definition →Suicide & Crisis Hotline
A suicide and crisis hotline is a free, confidential support service — typically staffed by trained counselors or volunt…
See definition →Self-Compassion
Self-compassion is the ability to treat yourself with the same kindness, understanding, and support you would offer a go…
See definition →T
Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) were the first antidepressants developed, in the 1950s. They are highly effective but h…
See definition →Treatment-Resistant Depression
Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) is defined as failing to respond adequately to at least two antidepressants from di…
See definition →Understanding is the first step
Balanced Mind puts this knowledge into practice with tools for day-to-day support — mood tracking, an emotional journal and crisis mode.