Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), also known as clinical depression, is a mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, low self-esteem, and loss of interest in activities. Its symptoms include depressed mood, changes in appetite, insomnia, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness, difficulty concentrating, and recurring thoughts of death or suicide. While its causes are complex and not fully understood, MDD may involve biological factors like changes in neurotransmitter levels, genetics, and life stressors. Treatments include antidepressants and therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy.

1. Major Depressive
Disorder (MDD)
By: Rosaria Prasad

2. Overview
Also known as clinical depression,
major depression, unipolar depression
Type of mood disorder
Characterized by persistent low mood,
low self-esteem, loss of interest and
pleasure in usually enjoyable
activities

3. Symptoms
Depressed mood most of the day
Little to no interest or pleasure in
normally enjoyable activities
Usually significant weight loss and
decrease in appetite
Increase in appetite and weight
can occur, but not commonly
Frequent insomnia or hypersomnia

4. Feeling worthless, immense guilt,
and regret
Fatigue, loss of energy frequently,
lethargy
Markedly less ability to think and
concentrate
Feelings of indecisiveness
Recurring thoughts of death
These are serious thoughts,
sometimes even with plans or
attempts for suicide

5. Causes
Sometimes, MDD like symptoms are
caused by other psychological
disorders such as bipolar disorder,
delusional disorder, psychotic
disorders, and schizophrenia
Even though there may be very similar
symptoms, this cannot be classified as
MDD

6. After a loss of a family member or
loved one, immediate depression and
other MDD-like symptoms is not
classified as MDD.
However, if these symptoms
persist or worsen after a time
period of two-three months, then
it can be considered MDD

7. Biological Theories
(Causes)
Serotonin, norepinephrine, and
dopamine
naturally present in the brain and
assist communications between nerve
cells
MDD is called a “chemical imbalance”
Basically means that the
messengers have been
depleted/reduced

8. Combined Theories
There is no exact cause of MDD
Most experts believe it to be a
combination of many things
These include biological and chemical
changes, genetics, and life events.

9. Biological Differences
physical changes in the brain
Neurotransmitters
serotonin, dopamine,
norepinephrine
Hormones
imbalance in hormones

10. Inherited traits
depression is more common in people who have
biological relatives with depression
researchers are looking for genes that
can be linked to depression
Life events
bereavement, high stress, financial problems
Early childhood trauma
abuse or loss of family can alter the brain,
possibly leading to depression

11. Subtypes
5 subtypes recognized by the DSM-IV
Melancholic Depression
Atypical Depression
Catatonic Depression
Postpartum Depression
Seasonal Affective Disorder

12. Treatments
Medicinal
antidepressants
work by restoring chemicals in the brain to the right
levels
Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
focuses on fighting off negative thoughts
Psychotherapy
focuses on issues behind thoughts and
feelings
Group Therapy
share problems with other people in the

13. How does it feel to
have MDD?
It’s definitely a challenge having
MDD...

14. I just don’t feel like eating. It’s
strange because before I used to be
the biggest food enthusiast.
Because of this, I have significantly
been losing weight. I’m not trying to
lose weight or diet or anything, it’s
just happening. It’s scary

15. Most of the time, I just want to sit
around and do nothing.
I don’t want to go out with my friends
or family really.
I just want to lay in bed in the dark,
but I’m still scared of my thoughts. I
just feel worthless. I bask in regret
and guilt.

16. I used to love dancing. It was my
therapy, my reprieve from the world.
Now, I don’t get the same
satisfaction. I just lost all pleasure
in it. I don’t want to go to dance
anymore.
Also, I just don’t have the energy
anymore. I feel so fatigued so easily.

17. I know I always feel so lethargic and
drained of energy, I still cannot
sleep. I have insomnia.
On the rare occasion, I’ll go through
stages where I sleep so much. This is
known as hypersomnia.

18. My parents keep trying to make me do
work and study. I can’t focus or
concentrate on anything.
I just get really agitated, physically
and mentally.

19. Sometimes I just like to lay around
and think of death. I have made some
suicide plans, and have even gone as
far as to gather materials to attempt
those plans.
The thought scares me, but I can’t
seem to escape from it.

20. My mom keeps trying to make me go to
therapy, or go to the doctor to get
some medicine. I don’t want to talk
about my condition and thoughts with
anyone.
Would therapy be a good idea? I don’t
want people to judge me. But maybe I
will get something good out of it. I
guess this is what they mean when they
say indecision is a symptom of MDD.

21. Websites referenced
http://depression.about.com/cs/diagnosis/f
http://www.nytimes.com/health/guides/disea
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Major_d
epressive_disorder