24/09/2024
➡️Depression, also known as **major depressive disorder (MDD)**, is a common and serious mental health condition that negatively affects how a person feels, thinks, and acts. It can lead to emotional and physical problems and can reduce a person’s ability to function in daily life. Depression is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed.
➡️DSM-5 Criteria for Depression
➡️The **DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition)** outlines specific criteria for diagnosing major depressive disorder. According to the DSM-5, to be diagnosed with MDD, the following conditions must be met; **Five or more of the following symptoms must be present for at least two weeks** (at least one of the symptoms must be either depressed mood or loss of interest/pleasure):
1. **Depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day** (e.g., feeling sad, empty, or hopeless). In children and adolescents, this can present as an irritable mood.
2. **Diminished interest or pleasure** in almost all activities most of the day, nearly every day (anhedonia).
3. **Significant weight loss or weight gain**, or a decrease or increase in appetite nearly every day. In children, this may present as failure to make expected weight gains.
4. **Insomnia or hypersomnia** (sleeping too much) nearly every day.
5. **Psychomotor agitation or retardation** (restlessness or being slowed down) nearly every day, observable by others.
6. **Fatigue or loss of energy** nearly every day.
7. **Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt** nearly every day (which may be delusional).
8. **Diminished ability to think or concentrate**, or indecisiveness, nearly every day.
9. **Recurrent thoughts of death** (not just fear of dying), recurrent suicidal ideation without a specific plan, or a su***de attempt or specific plan for committing su***de.
