Major depressive disorder typically involves 2 or more weeks of sad mood or lack of interest in life activities with at least for other symptoms of depression such as anhedonia and changes in weight, sleep, energy, concentration, decision making, self esteem and goals.
Major depressive disorder is one of form of depressive illness, or mood disorder. Other forms include bipolar disorder (manic-depressive illness) and dysthymia.
An episode of major depressive disorder may be classified as mild, moderate or severe.
Mild episodes: little in symptoms beyond the minimum required to make the diagnoses and by minor functional impairment.
Moderate episodes: symptoms presents in excess of the bare diagnostic requirements
Severe episodes: several symptoms in excess of the minimum requirements and by the symptoms marked interference with social and /or occupational functioning
Major depression is twice as common in women and has 1.5 to 3 times greater incidence in first degree relatives that in the general population. It is a treatable disease. Indeed, 70% of those who take antidepressant drugs respond, and relapse following initial treatment can be significantly reduced with a combination of antidepressant and psychotherapy.
What is major depressive disorder?
