Depression (major depressive disorder) - symptoms and causes (2023)

FAQs

What are the 8 symptoms of major depressive disorder? ›

It is diagnosed when an individual has a persistently low or depressed mood, anhedonia or decreased interest in pleasurable activities, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, lack of energy, poor concentration, appetite changes, psychomotor retardation or agitation, sleep disturbances, or suicidal thoughts.

Stressful life events: Difficult experiences, such as the death of a loved one, trauma, divorce, isolation and lack of support, can trigger depression. Medical conditions: Chronic pain and chronic conditions like diabetes can lead to depression. Medication: Some medications can cause depression as a side effect.

Types of major depression include melancholia, psychotic and antenatal or postnatal. You may be diagnosed with mild, moderate or severe depression. Your mental health professional may diagnose you with depression if these symptoms: happen most days.

Major depressive disorder and persistent depressive disorder are two of the most common types of depression that people experience, however, there are many types of depression.

While each person may experience symptoms differently, these are the most common symptoms of depression: Lasting sad, anxious, or “empty” mood. Loss of interest in almost all activities. Appetite and weight changes.

Depression causes the hippocampus to raise its cortisol levels, impeding the development of neurons in your brain. The shrinkage of brain circuits is closely connected to the reduction of the affected part's function. While other cerebral areas shrink due to high levels of cortisol, the amygdala enlarges.

What things happen during a depression? ›

What were the major causes of the Great Depression? Among the suggested causes of the Great Depression are: the stock market crash of 1929; the collapse of world trade due to the Smoot-Hawley Tariff; government policies; bank failures and panics; and the collapse of the money supply.

Psycom explains the different types of depression, from major depressive disorder, to dysthymia, postpartum depression, seasonal affective disorder and more. Depression is more than just feeling sad.

The psychological symptoms of depression include: continuous low mood or sadness. feeling hopeless and helpless. having low self-esteem.

Clinical depression is the more-severe form of depression, also known as major depression or major depressive disorder. It isn't the same as depression caused by a loss, such as the death of a loved one, or a medical condition, such as a thyroid disorder.

Sometimes, depression symptoms will last for only a few weeks. For many people though, untreated depression could last months and even years. Regardless of how long you've experienced depression, the condition is treatable. In fact, seeking the support of a professional often helps symptoms resolve much sooner.

Depression is a common mental disorder. Globally, it is estimated that 5% of adults suffer from the disorder. It is characterized by persistent sadness and a lack of interest or pleasure in previously rewarding or enjoyable activities.

Is major depression disorder a disability? ›

Yes. People with depression are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA defines a person with a disability as anyone who: Has a physical or mental health problem that “substantially limits” at least one major life activity — this could be working or taking care of yourself.

To be diagnosed with depression, an individual must have five depression symptoms every day, nearly all day, for at least 2 weeks. One of the symptoms must be a depressed mood or a loss of interest or pleasure in almost all activities. Children and adolescents may be irritable rather than sad.

Bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder are both mood disorders. They are similar in that both include periods of feeling low mood or lack of in everyday activities. Bipolar disorder, formerly called "manic depression" has periods of mania; depression does not.

There's no cure for depression, but you still have plenty of options for treatment, all of which can improve your symptoms and minimize their impact on your daily life.

Clinical depression, also known as major depressive disorder (MDD), is a mental health condition that causes a persistently low or depressed mood and a loss of interest in activities that once brought joy.

Major depressive disorder and minor depressive disorder (also known as “everyday depression”) are different in several ways. Most prominently, however, those with major depressive disorder experience more symptoms at a higher level of intensity than those with minor depressive disorder.

Stage 2: Establishment

This is the stage where depression starts to settle in and become the norm. Sadness, apathy, and general lack of interest may start to become the norm. You might start to feel less interest in things that you used to take great pleasure in.

Dendrites are cellular extensions found in the neurons, or nerve cells. This suggests that depression is not an irreversible neurodegenerative disorder. Instead, its impact on the brain may be reversible, and the brain can heal.

The majority of changes and damage to the brain caused by untreated depression are not believed to be permanent, but more research is still needed. When depression is effectively treated, most people commonly experience an improvement in symptoms, and their brains return to typical function and structure.

Can untreated depression cause brain damage? ›

Years of untreated depression may lead to neurodegenerative levels of brain inflammation.

There are various treatment options for depression. They include psychological treatments, medication and general measures such as relaxation techniques. Different treatment options are often combined. Depression is one of the most common mental illnesses.

It's important to seek support as early as possible, as the sooner a person gets treatment, the sooner they can recover. Untreated depression can have many negative effects on a person's life, including serious relationship and family problems, difficulty finding and holding down a job, and drug and alcohol problems.

Untreated depression increases the chance of risky behaviors such as drug or alcohol addiction. It also can ruin relationships, cause problems at work, and make it difficult to overcome serious illnesses. Clinical depression, also known as major depression, is an illness that involves the body, mood, and thoughts.

Psalm 9:9. “The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.” The Good News: Depression can make you feel as though you're weighed down. But no matter how troubled you feel, this verse reminds you that the Lord is always there to support you.

Depression affects your mood, thoughts, feelings, behaviors and physical health. Severe depression can result in losing the ability to feel pleasure in the things you once enjoyed. It can also cause you to withdraw from your social relationships even from people to whom you are closest.

Stress, unhealthy diet, and limited exercise are all common parts of being depressed that might contribute to heart problems in the future. Sleep issues. Sleep changes are extremely common among depressed individuals and can include both insomnia and over-sleeping.

Introduction. The idea that depression is the result of abnormalities in brain chemicals, particularly serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine or 5-HT), has been influential for decades, and provides an important justification for the use of antidepressants.

What is a characteristic of most types of depression? ›

Feeling hopeless/worthless:

Negative thoughts about life and worldly things. Feeling guilty and not worth living.

Individuals with MDD are at a high risk of developing comorbid anxiety disorders and substance use disorders, which further increases their risk of suicide. Depression can aggravate medical comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and coronary artery disease.

Environmental stressors associated with depression include acute life events, chronic stress, and childhood exposure to adversity. Personal vulnerabilities associated with depression include cognitive, interpersonal, and personality factors.

“Depressed mood” and “loss of interest or pleasure in nearly all activities” are core features of a major depressive episode, though a strong case can be made to pay increasing attention to symptoms of fatigue, sleep disturbance, anxiety, and neurocognitive and sexual dysfunction in the diagnosis and evaluation of ...

Clinical depression (major depressive disorder) causes a persistently low or depressed mood and a loss of interest in activities that you used to enjoy. The symptoms must last for at least two weeks to receive a diagnosis.

People who have gone through adverse life events (unemployment, bereavement, traumatic events) are more likely to develop depression.

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a debilitating disease that is characterized by depressed mood, diminished interests, impaired cognitive function and vegetative symptoms, such as disturbed sleep or appetite.

What are 3 signs of clinical depression? ›

Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. A major depressive episode (MDE) is a period characterized by the symptoms of major depressive disorder. Those affected primarily have a depressed mood for at least two weeks or more, and a loss of interest or pleasure in everyday activities.

Major Depressive Episode:

- 5 or more depressive symptoms for ≥ 2 weeks. - Must have either depressed mood or loss of interest/pleasure. - Symptoms must cause significant distress or impairment. - No manic or hypomanic behavior.

Yes. People with depression are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA defines a person with a disability as anyone who: Has a physical or mental health problem that “substantially limits” at least one major life activity — this could be working or taking care of yourself.