Depressive Disorder?

Sadness is a part of life. Occasional feelings of melancholy, listlessness, or ‘the blues’ are just a few of the many feelings we experience as healthy individuals in response to our world. Clinical depression, however, is different, and is considered a serious mental health condition. A Major Depressive episode is defined by an incessant feeling of intense sadness and lack of interest in formerly enjoyable activities that goes on for an extended period. Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) impacts both mood and behavior. People with Major Depressive Disorder often have trouble performing and participating in everyday activities and sometimes feel as if life isn’t worth living.

Major Depression is surprisingly common. The Journal of the American Medical Association states that the lifetime incidence of depression in the United States is more than 20-26% for women and 8-12% for men.

The median age for the onset of clinical depression is 32 (U.S. Census Bureau Population Estimates by Demographic Characteristics, 2005).

Types of Depressive Disorder
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Depression directly caused by the time of the year. It occurs most often in the winter months when sunlight is not as readily available, typically going away in the spring and summer.

Persistent Depressive Disorder

Depression that lasts for two years or longer.

Psychotic Depression

Depression accompanied by psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia

Postpartum Depression

Depression that develops in the weeks or months after childbirth.

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)

Depression experienced by women prior to the start of each period. Other symptoms can include fatigue, anxiety, mood swings, change in appetite, change in sleep patterns, difficulty concentrating, irritability, and feeling overwhelmed.

 

Situational Depression

Usually a short-term, stress-related type of depression that develops in response to a traumatic event. Common events that can trigger situational depression include the death of a loved one, divorce, and illness. Situational depression is also called ‘stress response syndrome’.

Signs and Symptoms of Depression

To be diagnosed with major depression, you must be suffering from five or more of the following symptoms for two weeks or longer, and at least one of the symptoms must be loss of interest in activities or a depressed mood. Symptoms may vary depending on what kind of depression has been diagnosed.

•Feelings of sadness and/or irritability
•Loss of interest in once enjoyable activities
•Significant change in weight (loss or gain)
•Changes in sleep patterns – trouble falling asleep, insomnia, or the need to sleep more than usual
•Feeling and appearing restless and agitated or slowed down
•Fatigue or loss of energy
•Feelings of worthlessness and guilt
•Inability to focus/difficulty in thinking
•Thoughts of death or about suicide

(Adapted from DSMV)