Final answer:
Depression is characterized by persistent sadness, hopelessness, and disinterest in activities, as well as changes in sleep and eating patterns. Major depression is treated with psychotherapy and antidepressants targeting brain neurotransmitters.
Step-by-step explanation:
The mental health condition characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in activities, often accompanied by changes in sleep and appetite patterns, is known as depression. Major depression, also referred to as major depressive disorder, involves prolonged periods of sadness and a severely depressed mood that lasts for more than two weeks. Additionally, sufferers may experience mental slowing, loss of concentration, decreased libido, changes in weight, and disruption of circadian rhythms due to hormonal imbalance.
Treatments for depression include a combination of psychotherapy and prescription medications like antidepressants. These medications, such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAO inhibitors), work by altering the neurotransmitters in the brain like dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine, aiming to balance the chemical aspects contributing to the disorder. It's crucial to distinguish major depression from other conditions such as a psychopathic deviate, which is not characterized by the same set of symptoms.