- **Definition** - A common and serious mood disorder that negatively affects how a person feels, thinks, and handles daily activities. - Characterized by persistent sadness, loss of interest, and impaired daily functioning. - Considered one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. - Distinct from normal mood fluctuations or temporary emotional responses to life challenges. - **Types** - [[Major Depressive Disorder|Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)]] - Persistent sadness or loss of interest lasting at least two weeks. - Causes significant impairment in functioning. - [[Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)]] - Chronic depression lasting two years or longer. - Symptoms are less severe than [[Major Depressive Disorder|MDD]] but more enduring. - [[Bipolar Disorder]] - Alternating episodes of depression and mania/hypomania. - [[Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)]] - Symptoms emerge during specific seasons, often in winter due to reduced sunlight. - [[Perinatal Depression]] - Occurs during pregnancy or after childbirth (postpartum depression). - [[Psychotic Depression]] - Severe depression accompanied by psychosis, such as hallucinations or delusions. - **Symptoms** - Emotional - Persistent sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness. - Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed. - Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt. - Cognitive - Difficulty concentrating or making decisions. - Negative thought patterns or rumination. - Physical - Fatigue or low energy. - Sleep disturbances (insomnia or hypersomnia). - Changes in appetite and weight. - Psychomotor agitation or retardation. - Suicidality - Thoughts of death or [[Suicide]]. - **Causes and Risk Factors** - Biological - Genetic predisposition or family history. - Neurotransmitter imbalances (serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine). - [[Psychology|psychological]] - [[Trauma]], abuse, or chronic stress. - Cognitive distortions (see [[Cognitive Behavioral Therapy]]). - Environmental - Social isolation, financial stress, lack of support. - Major life events (loss, unemployment, illness). - **Diagnosis** - [[Clinical Assessment]] - Structured interviews and reports from family/caregivers. - [[Diagnostic Criteria]] - Based on _DSM-5_ or _ICD-11_. - Requires symptoms lasting at least two weeks with functional impairment. - Differential Diagnosis - Rules out thyroid disorders, substance abuse, or other psychiatric conditions. - **Treatment** - [[Psychotherapy]] - [[Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)]] → restructures negative thought patterns. - [[Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)]] → focuses on relationships and interpersonal issues. - [[Psychodynamic Therapy]] → explores unconscious processes and conflicts. - Medication - [[Antidepressants]] (SSRIs, SNRIs, tricyclics, MAOIs). - Effects may take several weeks. - Other Therapies - [[Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)]], [[Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS)]]. - Lifestyle: exercise, diet, sleep, mindfulness. - Social Support - Support groups, family therapy, community resources. - **Complications** - Increased risk of suicide and self-harm. - [[Substance Use Disorder|substance abuse]] as coping. - Impaired physical health (e.g., cardiovascular disease, diabetes). - Relationship and occupational difficulties. - **Prevention and Management** - Early intervention after first depressive episode. - Stress management and resilience-building. - Regular social engagement and strong support networks. - Monitoring high-risk individuals with recurrent depression. - Related - [[Anxiety Disorders]] - [[Depressive Cognition]]