Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is Clinical Depression

MDD is clinical depression and is considered a mental health condition. In addition to a depressed mood and loss of interest, it affects appetite and the ability to think clearly. It is a chronic condition and usually occurs in episodes that can last a few weeks, months, or more, some people experience several episodes in their lifetime. 

At least five of the following nine symptoms must be present for at least two weeks or more to properly diagnose a client with MDD. The first two symptoms listed must be included for a proper diagnosis of MDD.

1. Depressed/unpleasant mood (dysphoria)

2. Lack of ability to experience pleasure (anhedonia)

3. Inability to concentrate

4. Preoccupation with worthlessness or feelings

5. Increased or decreased sleep

6. Increased or decreased appetite

7. Fatigue

8. Agitated or markedly slowed movements

9. Thoughts of death, suicidal ideation

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is the most common type of clinical depression (APA, 2013).  MDD causes a persistently depressed mood that includes a loss of interest in activities that are usually enjoyable and the symptoms can last up to two weeks and that is when it becomes diagnosable as a clinical condition. MDD is treatable with talk therapy and counseling as well as with medication. 

Feeling sad when we experience difficult situations in life is normal. This can come from the loss of a job, a breakup, someone passing away, and other difficult life challenges. However, clinical depression/MDD is very different because it is persistent and includes many other symptoms than just sadness. 

This can be confusing for many people. They tend to call MDD “depression” and this is often not a correct assumption when someone is dealing with clinical depression. MDD is a serious kind of depression that requires treatment. 

Anyone can be affected by clinical depression/MDD. Children and adults alike can be afflicted with this mental health condition. Usually, people experience their first symptoms in their 20s, however, it can come on at any age. 

Women and people assigned female at birth are more likely to experience clinical depression/MDD than men and people assigned male at birth. 

To learn more about MDD, its causes, treatments, and more, please click on this link https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24481-clinical-depression-major-depressive-disorder

References

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/up-and-running/202311/a-practical-guide-to-major-depression?utm_source=FacebookPost&utm_medium=FBPost&utm_campaign=FBPost&fbclid=IwAR3EDwX8gNQ1YSELHdHuVqKJA7BucHlEbgLzwMENJvxb86PGYoX-4BWYv4g

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24481-clinical-depression-major-depressive-disorder