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| Major depressive episode | |
|---|---|
| Specialty | Psychiatry |
| Symptoms | Low mood; loss of interest/pleasure; difficulty with concentration; fatigue; excessive guilt; thoughts of death/suicide |
| Complications | Self-harm; suicide; difficulty functioning in everyday life |
| Duration | 3 months |
| Risk factors | Family history; acute stresses (major life changes, adverse life experiences); chronic health problems |
| Diagnostic method | Based on symptoms as outlined in the DSM-5 |
| Differential diagnosis | Any psychotic disorders; Adjustment disorder; Anxiety disorder; Bipolar disorder; Gender dysphoria; Personality disorder; Substance use disorder |
| Treatment | Psychotherapy; antidepressant medication |
| Medication | Antidepressants |
A major depressive episode (MDE) is a period characterized by symptoms of major depressive disorder. Those affected primarily exhibit a depressive mood for at least two weeks or more, and a loss of interest or pleasure in everyday activities. Other symptoms can include feelings of emptiness, hopelessness, anxiety, worthlessness, guilt, irritability, changes in appetite, difficulties in concentration, difficulties remembering details, making decisions, and thoughts of suicide.[1] Insomnia or hypersomnia and aches, pains, or digestive problems that are resistant to treatment may also be present.[1]
Although the exact origin of depression is unclear, it is believed to involve biological, psychological, and social aspects.[2] Socioeconomic status, life experience, genetics, and personality traits are believed to be factors in the development of depression and may represent an increased risk of developing a major depressive episode.[3]
In the 19th century, the term "depression" was first used as "mental depression," suggesting depression as essentially a mood or affect disorder. In modern times, depression, more often severe cases, is more noted as an absence of pleasure, with feelings of emptiness and flatness. [4]
In the United States and Canada, the costs associated with major depression are comparable to those related to heart disease, diabetes, and back problems and are greater than the costs of hypertension.[5] According to the Nordic Journal of Psychiatry, there is a direct correlation between a major depressive episode and unemployment.[6]
Treatments for a major depressive episode include psychotherapy and antidepressants, although in more severe cases, hospitalization or intensive outpatient treatment may be required.[7]
- ^ a b Cite error: The named reference
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ebert-2018was invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ S. Paykel, Eugene (September 2008). "Basic concepts of depression". Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience. 10 (3): 279–289. doi:10.31887/DCNS.2008.10.3/espaykel. PMC 3181879. PMID 18979941.
- ^ Valdivia, Ivan; Rossy, Nadine (2004). "Brief Treatment Strategies for Major Depressive Disorder: Advice for the Primary Care Clinician". Topics in Advanced Practice Nursing eJournal. 4 (1) – via Medscape.
- ^ Hämäläinen, Juha; Poikolainen, Kari; Isometsa, Erkki; Kaprio, Jaakko; Heikkinen, Martti; Lindeman, Sari; Aro, Hillevi (2005). "Major depressive episode related to long unemployment and frequent alcohol intoxication". Nordic Journal of Psychiatry. 59 (6): 486–491. doi:10.1080/08039480500360872. PMID 16316902. S2CID 27459459.
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