Last reviewed:
Nov 21st 2022
M.S. Counseling Psychology
Depression (also called major depressive disorder or clinical depression) is a very common mood disorder. It is usually characterized by low moods, irritability, and helplessness, but can be treated by a combination of medications and different types of therapy [1].
Depression is a mood disorder involving feelings of sadness or hopelessness, which can have a negative impact on someone’s quality of life.
Major depressive disorder is a more severe version of depression; the symptoms are usually the same, but are usually more persistent and impactful on someone’s life. For instance, a person experiencing major depressive disorder symptoms can experience them persistently for weeks on end.
There are a vast number of symptoms of depression that you might experience, including: [2]
Depression can affect anyone; however it is thought that certain factors, such as genetics, traumatic experiences, and other mental health conditions and physical disorders, can increase a person’s chance of experiencing depressive episodes. [3] About 8.4% of the US adult population experienced a major depressive episode in 2020 alone. [12]
Major depressive disorder is one type of depression that usually refers to more severe symptoms that last for two weeks or longer. Other types of depressive disorders include: [1]
Symptoms of major depressive disorder affect all aspects of a person’s life, including family and social relationships, work and school, and general health. [1] Common symptoms can include: [2]
People with depression can also experience the following physical symptoms:
Older and younger people can experience different symptoms of depression, which can be rooted in hormonal reasons, as well as the problems and pressures people face in different stages of their life. [1]
Depression symptoms in adolescents and children:
Depression symptoms in adults and older adults:
There is currently no known exact cause of major depressive disorder. It is thought to be due to a number of factors, although there are some known risk factors that can make a person more likely to experience an episode of depression:
There are also some major triggers that can bring about depressive episodes, especially in those with the above risk factors:
If left untreated, major depressive disorder can lead to some serious long term complications: [2]
In order to be diagnosed with major depressive disorder, a doctor or psychiatrist will ask questions about a person’s mental health, physical health, family history, and drug and alcohol use. [1]
An individual must have displayed depressive symptoms nearly all of the time, every day for two weeks or longer, according to the DSM-5 criteria. He or she must be showing signs of low mood and a loss of pleasure in activities, as well as at least five of the following symptoms:
Whilst there are no physical tests for major depression, a doctor may carry out blood tests or scans to see if there is an underlying medical condition or disorder causing the depressive episode. [8]
There is no guaranteed way to prevent a depressive episode. However, if a person has had a depressive episode in the past or have a family history of depression, then it is best to know the symptoms of major depressive disorder so a person can recognise them early and seek treatment. It is very important to take any medication prescribed by a doctor.
The American Psychiatric Association recommends that people diagnosed are treated individually based on their personal needs and the symptoms they are experiencing. There are many effective treatments available upon diagnosis.
There have been studies using ketamine to ease depressive symptoms. However, there has been little evidence of it working for longer than two weeks, and it may be linked to unwanted side effects. [11]
Once undergoing treatment for depression, there are some ways to help to improve one’s mood: [1]
The best way to help someone showing depressive symptoms is to help them contact a medical professional so they can start treatment. However, there are still other ways to help: [1]
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