Major Depressive Disorder
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
Introduction
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), commonly known as depression, is a mental health condition that affects how you feel, think, and handle daily activities. It is not just sadness or a temporary “low mood.” Depression can interfere with your ability to work, sleep, eat, and enjoy life.
Incidence
Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions worldwide, affecting around 5% of the adult population each year. It can occur in anyone but is more frequent in women and those with a family history of depression.
Symptoms
Symptoms of MDD may include:
- Persistent sadness or low mood most of the day.
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities you once enjoyed.
- Changes in appetite or weight (eating too much or too little).
- Trouble sleeping (insomnia) or sleeping too much (hypersomnia).
- Fatigue or lack of energy.
- Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or hopelessness.
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions.
- Physical symptoms such as headaches or stomachaches.
- Thoughts of death or suicide.
These symptoms usually last two weeks or more and significantly affect your daily life.
Treatment
MDD is treatable with a combination of the following approaches:
- Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps you identify and change negative thought patterns.
- Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): Focuses on improving personal relationships and coping skills.
- Medications
- Antidepressants: Such as SSRIs (e.g., fluoxetine, sertraline), SNRIs (e.g., venlafaxine), or others like bupropion or mirtazapine.
- Medications can take 4–6 weeks to show full effects.
- Lifestyle Changes
- Regular exercise.
- Balanced diet.
- Good sleep hygiene.
- Stress management techniques.
- Other Options (if needed)
- Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT): For severe or treatment-resistant depression.
- TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation): A non-invasive brain stimulation therapy.
- Ketamine or Esketamine (Spravato): For rapid relief in severe cases.
