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Major Depressive Episode

Is it Depression

Everyone is sad or “gets the blues” from time to time. That’s part of the human condition. But major depressive disorder goes far beyond “feeling down.” It’s characterized by one or more depressive episodes, during which the following symptoms are present:
a persistent sad or “empty” mood.
a lack of interest in all, or almost, all pleasurable activities.
These two symptoms occur all day and nearly every day for at least two weeks. No other physical cause explains them.

At least five of the following symptoms are also present:

significant weight loss or gain.
increased or decreased appetite.
an inability to sleep or sleeping too much.
restlessness or slowness that other people notice.
fatigue or lack of energy nearly every day.
feelings of worthlessness, excessive self-blame, and/or guilt feelings.
decreased ability to think, concentrate, or make decisions.
recurrent thoughts of death or suicide, or a specific plan for suicide.
To learn more about depression complete the depression assessment.

How Common is Depression?

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition (DSM IV), women have about a 25% lifetime risk for depression. That’s more than double men’s risk of approximately 12%. Although the DSM IV reports that depression rates seem unrelated to ethnicity, income, or education, newer information shows women are at higher risk for depression if they are poor, belong to a minority group, or have a low level of education. Women with three or more children younger than 14 years and women who don’t work outside the home also seem more likely to suffer from depression.
Approximately 50% to 60% of people who experience one depressive episode will have a second. Almost 15% of people suffering from severe depression will commit suicide.

How Do You Know it’s Depression and Not Another Disorder?

Major depressive disorder can mimic other physical and mental disorders. That’s why you need a thorough medical exam if you think you may be depressed.