Major Depressive Disorder

Written By khandice popley

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a clinical mood disorder defined by the presence of five or more depressive symptoms occurring during the same two-week period, representing a change from previous functioning. At least one symptom must be either depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure (anhedonia). The symptoms cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.

The DSM-5 symptoms include:

  • Depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day

  • Markedly diminished interest or pleasure in most activities

  • Significant weight loss or gain, or changes in appetite

  • Insomnia or hypersomnia

  • Psychomotor agitation or retardation

  • Fatigue or loss of energy

  • Feelings of worthlessness or excessive or inappropriate guilt

  • Diminished ability to think or concentrate, or indecisiveness

  • Recurrent thoughts of death, suicidal ideation, or suicide attempt

    References:

  • Bains, N., & Abdijadid, S. (2023). Major Depressive Disorder. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing.

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