Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a complex and debilitating condition that affects millions worldwide. Unraveling its intricacies, we delve into its causes, symptoms, and treatments, shedding light on this often misunderstood mental health disorder.
What Is Major Depressive Disorder?
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a serious illness that is common and treatable.
- Also known as unipolar depression, it is one of several types of depression defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition; DSM-5).
- Another disorder is bipolar disorder.
How Is Major Depressive Disorder Diagnosed?
Major depressive disorder is normally diagnosed by a mental health professional or a medical doctor through a clinical interview
- In this process, the doctor/mental health professional may ask about the patient’s symptoms and medical history and then use the information to check the diagnostic criteria as outlined in the DSM-5.
Treatments for Major Depressive Disorder
The most effective treatment approach for major depressive disorder is a combination of psychotherapy and medication
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are often prescribed and take 2-6 weeks for patients to begin experiencing improvements
- Several psychotherapeutic approaches may be used, including cognitive behavioral therapy or psychodynamic therapy
What are the Symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder?
Most people experience some combination of the following: mood that is distinctly depressed or irritable, loss of the ability to experience pleasure or loss of interest, decreased or increases in weight or appetite, noticeable agitation, tiredness, and loss of energy
- In many cases, people who suffer from major depressive disorder experience symptoms for years.
Depression and Anxiety
“Depression and anxiety are downward spirals: patterns of negative, unhealthy activity and reactivity that the brain ends up stuck in…”
- Recent research has uncovered the power of the upward spiral: the fact that small positive life changes lead to positive brain changes in its electrical activity, its chemical composition, and even its ability to grow new neurons… Upward spirals can reverse the downward patterns of depression and anxiety…”
Causes and Risk Factors of Major Depressive Disorder
Depression may be caused by environmental, genetic, biological, and psychological factors
- Several risk factors for major depressive disorder have been identified
- A biochemical imbalance of neurotransmitters in the brain may be a risk factor for depression
- Additional identified risk factors include having a chronic illness, having a family history of depression, undergoing major life changes, stress, or trauma
