Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

What Is Major Depressive Disorder?

Major depressive disorder, also called clinical depression, major depression, unipolar depression, or unipolar disorder, is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest.

It is a disabling condition that adversely affects a person’s family, work or school life, sleeping and eating habits, and general health.

Causes Of Major Depressive Disorder:

The exact cause of Major Depressive Disorder is not known.

However, scientists believe it results due to a number of factors including:

• Biological differences
• Brain chemistry
• Hormones
• Inherited traits

The following factors increase the risk of developing Major Depressive Disorder:

• Certain personality traits, such as:
• low self-esteem
• dependent
• self-critical
• pessimistic
• Traumatic or stressful events, such as:
• physical or sexual abuse,
• the death or loss of a loved one
• a difficult relationship
• or financial problems
• Childhood trauma
• Blood relatives with a history of :
• depression
• bipolar disorder
• alcoholism
• suicide
• History of other mental health disorders, such as:
• anxiety disorder
• eating disorders
• post-traumatic stress disorder
• Abuse of alcohol or illegal drugs
• Serious or chronic illness, including:
• cancer
• stroke
• chronic pain
• heart disease

Symptoms Of Major Depressive Disorder:

Some common symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder include the following:

• Feelings of sadness, tearfulness, emptiness or hopelessness
• Angry outbursts, irritability or frustration, even over small matters
• Loss of interest or pleasure in most or all normal activities, such as sex, hobbies or sports
• Sleep disturbances, including insomnia or sleeping too much
• Tiredness and lack of energy, so even small tasks take extra effort
• Changes in appetite — often reduced appetite and weight loss, but increased cravings for food and weight gain in some people
• Anxiety, agitation or restlessness
• Slowed thinking, speaking or body movements
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt, fixating on past failures or blaming yourself for things that aren’t your responsibility
• Trouble thinking, concentrating, making decisions and remembering things
• Frequent or recurrent thoughts of death, suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts or suicide
• Unexplained physical problems, such as back pain or headaches

Diagnosis Of Major Depressive Disorder:

The following tests and exams help in the diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder:

• Physical exam
• Lab tests including:
• Complete bold count
• Thyroid test
• Psychological evaluation.
• DSM-5

Treatment Of Major Depressive Disorder:

Treatment for Major Depressive Disorder includes the following:

• Medications

1. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
2. Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
3. Norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs).
4. Atypical antidepressants.
5. Tricyclic antidepressants.
6. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)

• Psychotherapy
• Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
• Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).

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