Depression can manifest itself in a number of ways and look wildly different from person to person. If you’re experiencing what seems like excessively severe symptoms of depression, it just might be an entirely different diagnosis altogether called major depressive order or MDD.
What is MDD?
MDD stands for major depressive disorder, but may also be referred to as major depression, unipolar depression, or clinical depression. It’s characterized by having five or more of the following symptoms(1) that persist for most of the day and at least two weeks in a row:
- Gloomy, sad, or irritated mood
- loss of motivation or enjoyment in most activities
- Change in appetite or unexpected weight loss or gain
- difficulty sleeping
- Decreased energy/fatigue
- Feeling worthlessness or excessive guilt
- Impaired cognitive functioning (difficulty concentrating or making decisions)
- Suicidal thoughts or attempts
Although MDD is considered a severe mental health condition, severity of this diagnosis can range from mild, moderate, or severe depending on how many of the above symptoms a person displays and how intense those symptoms are.
Types of depression
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is the most common form of several types of depression as recognized in the DSM-V. It’s possible that someone may only experience MDD symptoms during a specific period of time or “episode.”
Repeated depressive episodes are considered to be a different and long-lasting form of depression called recurrent depressive disorder. Instances where depressive symptoms last longer than two years with no “break” in between is known as chronic depression.
Other types of depression such as seasonal affective disorder (SAD), postpartum depression (“baby blues”), and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) include all the same range of symptoms as above but only occur under specific circumstances and are distinct from major depressive order, which can happen at anytime for causes other than changes in season, childbirth, or menopause.
MDD vs. Depression
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is not the same thing as general depression. MDD is a psychiatric disorder recognized in the DSM-V while general depression is a feeling, and often a symptom of other mental health conditions as well. The key differences that distinguish depression from a diagnosable condition or a more general symptom are duration, severity, and impact.
Duration
According to the DSM-V, to be considered to have clinical depression one must exhibit at least five recognized depressive symptoms for at least two consecutive weeks. General feelings of depression are temporary and may be tied to a particular event or situation whereas major depressive disorder has no logical cause.
Severity
In addition to the two-week minimum timeframe that depressive symptoms must be present to be considered major depressive disorder, symptoms must occur daily and persist for the majority of the day. With general depression, symptoms are less consistent and may ebb and flow based on the environment or circumstances. Depressive symptoms with MDD, on the other hand, are persistent regardless of the person’s environment or circumstances.
Impact
Symptoms of major depressive disorder will have a noticeable effect on the diagnosed person’s quality of life and is extremely debilitating if not treated. MDD is associated with negative impacts to interpersonal relationships, school or work performance, and function in day-to-day life, in addition to higher risk of substance abuse, suicide, heart disease and diabetes. General depression, on the other hand, is more temporary in nature and is less likely to have a sustained negative impact on an individual.
Diagnosing & Treating MDD
There are many other conditions that include depressive symptoms. When testing for MDD, your medical professional is going to want to rule out that the depressive episodes aren’t related to another condition such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. To make this determination, physical exams, blood or thyroid tests, and psychiatric evaluations are commonly used to diagnose major depressive disorder.
Despite its severity, MDD is a very treatable condition that can successfully be managed. There are a number of FDA-approved medications that are highly effective at treating depression. One of the most popular are SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) which have minimal side effects and are most often prescribed by doctors. This type of antidepressant includes the likes of well-known names such as Prozac, Lexapro and Zoloft.
The use of medication is even more effective when paired with psychotherapy. Working with a mental health profession can help someone with MDD learn healthy ways to cope with their problems, regain a sense of control, and get assistance navigating crises, allowing an individual to live a relatively normal life.
If you or a loved one wants to learn more about MDD and discover your best treatment options, find a mental health counselor near you today.