Major Depressive Disorder and Related Conditions

Everyone has days where they feel blah, down, or sad. Typically, these feelings disappear after a day or two, particularly if circumstances change for the better. People experiencing the temporary "blues" don't feel a sense of crushing hopelessness or helplessness, and are able, for the most part, to continue to engage in regular activities. For people dealing with depressive disorders, negative feelings linger, intensify, and often become crippling. With normal sadness, people are still able to experience pleasure when positive events happen. With depressive disorders, the hopelessness and failure stay even when good things are happening. Other, more intense sorts of symptoms, such as suicidal thoughts and hallucinations (e.g., hearing voices), are also often present. These symptoms suggest that serious varieties of depression may be present, including the subject of this center: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) or (more informally), Major Depression. Major Depression.
...MoreFast Facts: Learn! Fast!
What is depression?
- Major Depressive Disorder is a common yet serious medical condition that affects both the mind and body.
- It creates physical (body), psychological (mind), and social symptoms.
- Informally, we often use the term "depression" to describe general sadness. The term Major Depressive Disorder is defined by a formal set of medical criteria which describe symptoms that must be present before the label may be appropriately used.
- According to the World Health Organization, depression is a common illness worldwide, with an estimated 15% of people affected.
- Depressive disorders are a leading cause of absenteeism and lost productivity.
- We also know that people who are depressed cannot simply will themselves to snap out of it. Getting better often requires appropriate treatment.
What are the symptoms of depression?
- Symptoms can vary a great deal from one person to the next. Typical symptoms include:
- Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
- Being tired and have no energy
- A dramatic change in appetite resulting in weight loss or gain
- Feelings of worthlessness, self-hate, and guilt
- Inability to concentrate, think clearly, or make decisions
- Agitation, restlessness, and irritability
- Inactivity and withdrawal from typical pleasurable activities
- Feelings of hopelessness and helplessness
- Thoughts of suicide or death
- Symptoms can also change over time, such as with someone who is initially withdrawn and sad becoming very frustrated and irritable as a result of decreased sleep and the inability to accomplish simple tasks or make decisions.
- When depression is severe, people may even experience symptoms, such as hallucinations and delusions.
What are the causes of depression?
- The biopsychosocial model says that biological, psychological and social factors are all interlinked causes of depression.
- Depression has been linked to problems or imbalances in the brain with regard to the neurotransmitters serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine.
- A person who has a parent or sibling with depression is almost three times more likely to develop Major Depression than someone with no history of depression in their parents or siblings, which suggests that genetics play a role in the causes of depression.
- Long-term stress that lasts for a year or more can affect the body's immune system and lead to an increased risk of developing physical illnesses and an increased likelihood of becoming depressed.
- Psychological factors influencing depression include negative patterns of thinking, low coping skills, judgment problems, and difficulty in understanding and expressing emotions.
- Personality factors, history and early experiences; and relationships with others are seen as important factors in causing depression.
- People can also become depressed as a result of social factors such as: experiencing traumatic situations (a family death, divorce, job loss, abusive relationship, etc.), lack of social support/relationships, or harassment (bullying).
When should I seek help for depression?
- If your depressed mood lasts for more than two weeks, or is seriously interfering with your ability to function at work, with your family, and in your social life, you should consult with a mental health professional as soon as possible.
- If you find yourself thinking seriously about suicide, you should make an appointment with a mental health doctor (a psychiatrist, or psychologist) as soon as you can.
- If you are feeling like you will commit suicide within hours or days unless you receive some relief, then skip making an appointment with a doctor and go immediately to your local hospital emergency room and tell them there that you are feeling suicidal.
How is depression diagnosed?
- The diagnosis process often starts with a visit to a primary care doctor who may ask simple questions about your feelings and experiences.
- A physical examination, medical history and lab tests will be done to determine if your depression is related to a physical condition.
- If a physical condition is ruled out, then you should see a mental health professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, who will talk with you to learn more about your current problems and symptoms, as well as to obtain a complete history of previous symptoms, a family history, a history of significant stressful life events, and information concerning your lifestyle, social support, alcohol or drug use, and any suicidal thoughts or tendencies you may be experiencing.
- In order to compare your symptoms to those of other people in order to determine the severity of your symptoms, you may be asked to complete one or more standardized questionnaire forms.
How is depression treated?
- It is important to know that depression is a HIGHLY treatable condition.
- There is no single therapy that works equally well for every depressed person.
- Depression is most often treated with a combination of medication and psychotherapy.
- Antidepressants help with some of the brain chemistry causes of depression. Typically this will include either a SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor), such as Prozac, Zoloft, or Paxil, or a SNRI (serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor), such as Wellbutrin or Effexor.
- Psychotherapy helps people understand and then change the behavioral, cognitive and social patterns that cause or contribute to the depressed mood.
- More severe cases of depression may require different and more frequent therapy than milder cases.
- People with severe depression who may be engaging in self-destructive behavior, such as attempting suicide, refusing to eat, refusing to get out of bed, or may be showing signs of psychotic behavior, such as hallucinations and delusions, may require inpatient hospitalization.
- People sometimes turn to Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) techniques such as traditional Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture, Homeopathy, and Herbal Therapy for relief from their symptoms. Very few of these approaches have been tested in clinical trials for depression, so there is often little scientific evidence to support these practices.
- One of the best studied and most famous CAM remedies for depression is St. John's Wort, which is an herbal preparation of a plant extract. Research does support this as a stand-alone alternative treatment for depression and in parts of Europe this herb is often the preferred remedy for treating depression.
- If you are interested in CAM approaches, the best plan is to consult with a qualified CAM practitioner who can help determine which combination of treatments, and in what dosages, would be most beneficial for you.
Are there self-help methods for depression?
- Self-help approaches to treating depression are best thought of as additions to professional treatments.
- People should not delay treating depression professionally, or attempt to treat it solely on their own.
- The more that you take an active role in helping yourself recover, the better your chances of recovery are likely to be.
- It is important to accept your diagnosis and to take the medications and other therapies that have been prescribed for you regularly.
- Accept invitations to social events and maintain your typical social schedule as best you can even if you are not enjoying it as much as you used to.
- One way to reduce the amount of stress you experience is to prioritize the demands you are facing and then to do only the most pressing tasks.
- Talk about what is bothering you with a therapist or with friends or family members. If you don't feel comfortable talking, then keep a journal and vent through writing.
- Regular physical exercise is thought to have an antidepressant effect.
- One way to regain a sense of control is to educate yourself about your illness.
- Choosing to make positive improvements in your sleep, eating, drug and alcohol use, exercise, social and spiritual habits can end up helping you improve your mood.
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Resources
Articles
- Introduction and Types of Depressive Disorders
- Major Depressive Disorder and Related Conditions
- Classic Symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder
- The Development and Course of Major Depressive Disorder
- Differential Diagnosis and Specifiers of Major Depressive Disorder
- Prevalence and Co-Occurring Conditions
- Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder
- Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)
- Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
- Related Disorders / Conditions
- Historical and Current Understandings
- Biology, Psychology and Sociology
- Biology of Depression - Neurotransmitters
- Biology of Depression - Neuroplasticity and Endocrinology
- Biology of Depression - Genetics and Imaging
- Biology of Depression - Psychoneuroimmunology
- Psychology of Depression- Psychodynamic Theories
- Psychology of Depression- Behavioral Theories
- Cognitive Theories of Depression - Aaron Beck
- Cognitive Theories of Depression - Ellis and Bandura
- Cognitive Theories of Depression - Seligman
- Sociology of Depression - Effects of Culture
- Social and Relational Factors in Depression
- Lifestyle Factors and Environmental Causes of Depression
- Treatment - Medication and Psychotherapy
- Treatment: When to Seek Professional Help and Where to Find Help for Depression
- Measuring Depression
- Clinician-Rated and Self-Report Questionnaires/Tests for Depression
- Types of Treatment for Depression
- Types of Treatment Continued
- Medications for Depression
- Antidepressants for Depressive Disorders
- Mood Stabilizers for Depressive Disorders
- Non-Medication Medical Therapies for Depressive Disorders
- Psychotherapy - Evidence-Based Treatments for Depression
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Depression
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Depression Continued
- Interpersonal Therapy for Depressive Disorders
- Behavior Therapy for Depressive Disorders
- Psychodynamic Therapy for Depressive Disorders
- Group, Family and Couples Therapy for Depressive Disorders
- Alternative Medicine and Self-Help Resources
- Complementary and Alternative Treatments for Major Depression
- Major Depression and St. John's Wort
- Major Depression and Exercise
- Major Depression and Omega 3 Fatty Acids
- Major Depression Serotonin Precursors: SAMe
- Major Depression Serotonin Precursors: 5-HTP
- Acupuncture for Depression
- Music Therapy and Relaxation Therapy for Depression
- Self-Help Methods for Major Depression
- Community and On-line Self-Help Resources for Major Depression
- Depression Reading List
- Special Issues
- References
- Introduction and Types of Depressive Disorders
News
- One-Third of Lung Cancer Patients Battle Depression: Study
- Another Downside to Vaping: Higher Odds for Depression
- Can You Beat the Blues With 'Downward Dog'?
- Exercise Can Help Prevent Depression, Even for Those at High Risk
- What Works Best to Treat Depression?
- Depression Rates Not Budging for Lesbian and Gay Teens
- Don't Let SAD Get the Better of You
- Antidepressants Might Raise Odds for Serious Pregnancy Complication
- Depressed Moms, More Anxious, Troubled Kids?
- Why You Should Ask to Be Screened for Postpartum Depression
- 27 more
- Common Antidepressants May Work in Unexpected Way: Study
- Experimental Drug Works Quickly on Major Depression
- Exercise Your Blues Away
- Depression, Alzheimer's Might Be Part of Same Process in Some Aging Brains: Study
- Too Much Social Media a Depression Risk for Teens
- Easing Depression Can Bring Longer Life to People With Diabetes
- Is Your Child Depressed or Suicidal? Here Are the Warning Signs
- Depression Plus HIV Can Turn Deadly
- Brain Stimulation May Soothe Severe Depression
- Fussy Baby May Raise Mom's Risk of Depression
- Abuse in Childhood Tied to Brain Changes and Later Depression
- FDA Approves First Drug for Postpartum Depression
- Nutritional Supplements Don't Ward Off Depression: Study
- FDA Approves Ketamine-Like Drug for Severe Depression
- FDA Poised to Approve Ketamine-Like Drug to Ease Depression
- Acne Drug Accutane May Not Depress Mood After All
- Health Tip: Beat the Winter Blues
- AHA News: Post-Stroke Depression Common Among Black, Hispanic Survivors
- Health Tip: Recognizing Signs of Depression in Teens
- Could Germs in Your Gut Send You Into Depression?
- Simple Treatments to Banish Winter Blues
- Millennials' Odds for Depression Rise With Social Media Use
- Listen Up! Hearing Loss Tied to Late-Life Depression
- Health Tip: Risk Factors for Depression After Pregnancy
- Head to the Movies, Museums to Keep Depression at Bay
- Many Say Ketamine Eased Their Depression, But Is It Safe?
- Docs Should Screen for Depression During, After Pregnancy
Tests
Links
Videos
- Behavior Therapy for Depression
- Depression - Let's Talk
- Overcoming Depression
- The Age of Depression
- Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Therapy for Depression
- Beating the Holiday Blues
- How to get stuff done when you are depressed
- Antidepressant Medications
- Tell Me About Depression
- 5 Signs Your Teenager is Battling Depression
- 59 more
- Holiday Depression
- Depression Raises Female Heart Risk
- Let’s talk about depression - focus on women with young babies
- Teen Depression Screening
- Let’s talk about depression – focus on adolescents and young adults
- Let’s talk about depression – focus on older people
- Depression: More Than Just the Blues
- Postpartum Depression, You’re Not Alone
- Can people with depression harm themselves?
- How to Ask if Someone is Suicidal
- Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
- Kids and Depression
- Know the Differences Between Adult and Teen Depression
- Postpartum Depression
- Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment of Depression
- Groundbreaking Research Into Postpartum Depression
- What Are The Signs of Depression in Teens?
- Alternative Treatment for Depression
- Seasonal Affective Disorder: One Woman's Story
- Postpartum Depression
- The Link Between Stress and Depression
- Post Holiday Blues
- Managing Holiday Blues
- Adolescent Depression
- Behavioral Activation: Treatment of Adolescent Depression
- Managing Holiday Depression
- Individualized Depression Treatment
- Optimizing Lithium Treatment
- Postpartum Depression
- Depression and its Treatment
- Treating Depression in Youth
- The Mindful Way Through Depression
- Depression, the Secret We Share
- The bridge between suicide and life
- No More Shame: My life with Anxiety and Depression
- Depressive and Bipolar Disorders
- Adolescent Depression and Anxiety
- #StrongerThanStigma - Wayne Brady: Why I Waited to Talk About My Depression
- Down in the Dumps or Depressed?
- What is Depression?
- What Doctors Miss When Treating Women With Depression
- It’s Bipolar Disorder Not Depression
- What About Alternative Depression Treatments?
- Self Help and Therapy for Depression
- Dealing with the Stigma of Depression
- What is Treatment Resistant Depression?
- Do I Have Depression? Common Symptoms of Depression
- Postpartum Depression: What You Need to Know
- Depression and Your Family Doc
- New Treatments for Depression
- Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Depression
- Postpartum Depression - Not Just the Baby Blues
- "Baby Blues" -- or Postpartum Depression?
- Study Finds Link Between Crohn’s Disease and Depression
- Dealing with Depression
- Antidepressants and Sexual Dysfunction
- Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Depression Video
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Depression
- What is Depression?
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