Major Depressive Disorder
What is Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)?
Major depressive disorder (MDD), otherwise known as clinical depression, is a mood disorder that affects an individual’s daily life. It is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest in activities. As a result, physical and behavioral symptoms arise.
MDD is a very common mental disorder and is treatable. Therapy and antidepressant medication, or a combination of the two can be beneficial.
Symptoms of MDD:
- Feelings of sadness or hopelessness
- Irritability or frustration
- Loss of interest or pleasure in most or all normal activities
- Sleep changes, including lack of sleep or sleeping too much
- Tiredness and lack of energy
- Reduced appetite and weight loss or increased appetite and weight gain
- Anxiety
- Slowed thinking, speaking or body movements
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- Trouble concentrating
- Frequent or recurrent thoughts of death or suicide
- Unexplained physical issues
Options for MDD
- For medications, individuals may want to contact their physician to discuss potential options, which may include antidepressant medications.
- Counseling or psychotherapy by a mental health professional such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist can be very beneficial.
- Alternative treatment procedures can also be considered and discussed with a physician, including:
- Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
- Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)
- Hospital or residential treatment may be needed if an individual cannot care for themselves or are an immediate danger to themselves or someone else.
Hospital and residential treatment
In some people, depression is so severe that a hospital stay is needed. This may be necessary if you can’t care for yourself properly or when you’re in immediate danger of harming yourself or someone else. Psychiatric treatment at a hospital can help keep you calm and safe until your mood improves.
Partial hospitalization or day treatment programs also may help some people. These programs provide the outpatient support and counseling needed to get symptoms under control.
