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Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

Sad on Couch

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a serious mental health condition characterized by persistent sadness, a lack of motivation, and a loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed. MDD is more than just temporary sadness. MDD is a chronic disorder that can impair social, occupational, and personal functioning. People with MDD often find it challenging to carry out daily tasks and maintain relationships. Daily functioning is often impaired and every day tasks can become difficult to complete.
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Why Treating MDD is Important
 

Untreated MDD can lead to severe outcomes, including suicidal thoughts, substance use, and impaired quality of life. Research also suggest untreated MDD is associated with physical conditions like heart disease, diabetes, obesity, chronic pain, gastrointestinal disorders, impaired immune system and sleep disorders. Timely treatment can help individuals regain control over their lives, regain energy, focus, and emotional stability. Treatment can also help individuals improve interpersonal relationships, and achieve better long-term health. It also provides coping skills to prevent future episodes and lowers the risk of substance abuse, preserving both mental and physical resilience. Ultimately, addressing MDD can enhance overall well-being, reduce healthcare costs, and benefit society as a whole.

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Diagnosis of MDD

MDD is diagnosed through a comprehensive assessment by a mental health professional, which may include a psychiatrist, psychologist, or primary care provider. Diagnosis typically begins with a clinical interview to explore key symptoms, including mood, energy levels, sleep patterns, appetite changes, concentration, and any thoughts of self-harm based on diagnostic criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.

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Evaluations may consist of clinical interviews, standardized questionnaires and medical tests to rule out other causes of your symptoms. For an MDD diagnosis, individuals must experience at least five symptoms for nearly every day for a minimum of two weeks. Additionally, one symptom must be either a depressed mood or a loss of interest in activities.

 

Clinicians often use validated tools like the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) to evaluate symptom severity and differentiate MDD from other conditions that may appear similar to how MDD presents itself. This thorough approach helps clinicians determine if MDD is what is causing symptoms to then develop an effective treatment plan which may include a combination of medication management and psychotherapy. 

Symptoms of Depression

  • Persistent sadness or feelings of emptiness

  • Loss of interest or pleasure in previously enjoyable activities

  • Fatigue and lack of energy

  • Changes in appetite (weight loss or gain)

  • Sleep disturbances (insomnia or excessive sleeping)

  • Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or focusing

  • Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or hopelessness

  • Suicidal thoughts or behaviors

Treatment for Depression

Treatment for MDD can consist of a combination of medication management with psychotherapy. Some providers may lean more heavily towards one over the other. However, research studies suggest they both complement one another in making the most impact on symptoms of MDD. If you are prescribed medication, an anti-depressant is what is typically started. These can include:

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  •  SSRIs (e.g., fluoxetine, sertraline) are often first-line medications.

  • SNRIs (e.g., venlafaxine) and atypical antidepressants (e.g., bupropion) may be used as well

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The provider may also strongly recommend psychotherapy and these sessions may include various psychotherapy techniques including:

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  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) - Encourages patients to accept their thoughts and feelings instead of fighting or avoiding them, focusing instead on commitment to personal values.

  • Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) - Helps patients identify, challenge, and change negative thought patterns and behaviors contributing to depression.

  • Interpersonal Therapy (IT) - Focuses on improving interpersonal relationships and social functioning, which can influence mood and overall mental health.

  • Behavioral Activation Therapy - Encourages engagement in positive, rewarding activities to break the cycle of inactivity and withdrawal that often accompanies depression.

  • Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) - Combines mindfulness practices with cognitive therapy techniques to prevent relapse in patients with recurrent depression.

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Additionally, providers may include non-pharmacological approaches:

 

  • Regular exercise

  • Mindfulness practices

  • Anti-inflammatory foods

  • Light therapy

  • Support Groups

  • Sleep hygiene

Risk Factors

Risk factors for MDD include a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological influences and may be factors such as:

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  • Family history of depression

  • Chronic stress or major life changes

  • Physical illness or chronic pain

  • History of trauma or abuse

  • Substance use disorders

Complications

Complications of MDD can significantly impact various aspects of a person’s life, leading to issues in personal, social, and professional domains. Complications may include:

 

  • Increased risk of suicide

  • Social withdrawal and relationship issues

  • Decreased job performance and financial instability

  • Physical health problems such as cardiovascular disease

Resources for Depression

Recognizing and treating MDD is crucial. MDD not only affects a person’s mental and emotional well-being but also impacts physical health, relationships, and overall quality of life. Untreated MDD can lead to severe complications, including increased risk for chronic health conditions, substance abuse, and suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Early diagnosis and effective treatment improve the chances of recovery, helping individuals regain a sense of purpose, motivation, and connection in their lives.

 

If you or someone you know needs help for depression, Click here for resources for depression. You can also â€‹Click here to schedule a free 15-minute consultation and find out how Lucent Psych can help you address your symptoms and learn healthy coping strategies. 

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