Major Depressive Disorder

Imagine yourself in a rut you can’t get out of, a feeling of loneliness that goes in a downward spiral of extreme anguish and despair. This is what people afflicted with major depressive disorder go through every day. With the increasing rate of this disease affecting more and more people as the years go by, a lot of people are asking now what is major depressive disorder dsm?

Depression is a medical condition that affects one’s mental and physical facet. It leads to many emotional and physical troubles. This illness also has an effect on how someone feels, thinks and behaves. Major depressive disorder makes it hard to go through routine activities and may even lead an affected person to believe that life is not worth living.

This illness has recently attracted more attention in the media because more and more are affected, many are wondering what is a major depressive disorder and what do those suffering from it have in common with a person with bipolar disorder as both deal with extreme distressing dispositions. Unlike a bipolar patient that goes through euphoria and depression, a person with major depressive disorder just stays on one side of the pole which is in a severe depressed mood. This illness is also referred to by others as clinical depression or major depression.

To make matters more complicated, it is oftentimes hard to detect the symptoms of major depressive disorder. Age, genes, gender and environment are just among the few aspects that affect how depression manifests on some.

Although the specific cause for clinical depression is unknown, specialists have discovered factors that increase the risk of developing the illness. This includes having immediate relatives who are diagnosed with depression, having traumatic childhood experiences, being poor and having problems with alcohol or drug abuse. More women are diagnosed with depression but it can be because they’re more likely to seek help. Giving birth may also trigger postpartum depression. A major stressful event such as death of a loved one, having a failed relationship or serious illness such as cancer or HIV can trigger depression. Taking medication for sleeplessness or heart problems can also alter one’s moods.

Most cases of depression are diagnosed when a person is in his or her 20’s but keep in mind that depression can occur at any age. More cases of childhood depression are diagnosed this decade than the previous one. Some signs that a child is experiencing depression include having few or no friends, having low self esteem and being overly dependent. A depressed child may appear as a loner or outcast. There are also cases of depression for senior citizens. Most of them feel depressed about the quality of life they lived or are coping with isolation.

Although it varies from one person to another, some of the common major depressive disorder symptoms include having trouble sleeping, weight loss or weight gain, and irritability. Judging from these general symptoms, it is hard to diagnose a clinically depressed person as everyone goes through any of these problems from time to time. Other depression symptoms include:

• General feeling of unhappiness
• Restlessness
• Being uninterested in fun activities
• Being easily Frustrated with unimportant matters
• Diminished sex drive
• Sluggish movements
• Fatigue, easily losses energy
• Trouble in decision making and focusing

Among the psychological suffering a depressed person goes through is feeling guilty. One may fixate on mistakes done in the past. Some go on crying spells for no obvious reasons. The mental anguish may present itself as physical problems such as migraines and back aches. Other people go through the tormenting feeling of despair without really knowing the reason why. On the other hand, some people with clinical depression may not manifest these symptoms but feel down and worthless deep inside.  Some function normally at work or in school and may even put on a happy front to others while feeling extremely disheartened and dispassionate about living. Sadly, there is no easy way to detect depression. People don’t look or behave in a specific way if they are depressed. The symptoms are unique for everyone.

Recurrent thoughts of death and suicide are major depressive disorder severe symptoms. If you feel depressed and show some of the symptoms, contact a doctor as soon as possible. Depression symptoms do not go away on their own. It will get worse if left untreated. It will eat away at other aspects of your life. Get help immediately if you are having thoughts of suicide. Little steps such as talking to a family member or friend will help. Alternatively, you can seek help from a doctor or other health care professionals. Most states have help lines with trained counselors for those who need someone to talk to. If you know someone who may potentially harm himself or herself, make sure someone stays with that person then seek emergency medical help.

Depression is more than just getting the blues that you can’t easily snap out of. It does not signify weakness or poor character. It is considered a chronic illness that needs medical attention. Depression may be discouraging but those who seek medical help get better in the long run. Psychological treatment such as counseling and therapy definitely improve one’s depressed disposition.  Antidepressants and other medications contribute in alleviating the symptoms. Holistic medicine practitioners tell us that having mind and body harmony is essential for our mental wellbeing. Some alternative techniques suggested to ease depression include meditation and yoga.

Experts advise those coping with the illness to join a support group, dealing with major depressive disorder can be tough but there are more support groups available now than ever before. Some tips on managing the disease include writing a journal and talking to family members or friends. These can help by allowing a depressed person lift the burden by expressing his or her emotions. Clinical psychologists may even offer to recommend a trustworthy self help book. Regular diet, exercise and getting enough sleep also helps in managing stress.