Major Depressive Disorder

Disclaimer This is a project for a high school AP Psychology course. This is a fictionalized account of having a psychological ailment. For question about this blog project or its content please email the teacher, Laura Astorian: laura.astorian@cobbk12.org

Mood Disorders• As classified by the DSM IV TR a mood

disorder is “a classification system where a disturbance in the person's mood is hypothesized to be the main underlying feature”.• The two groups of mood disorders are

manic and hypomanic.• The two most researched of these

disorders are bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder.

Aliases • Also known as • Clinical Depression• Major Depression• Unipolar Depression• Unipolar Disorder• Recurrent Depression

Characteristics• MDD is a mental disorder

characterized by a pervasive and persistent low mood which is accompanied by low self-esteem and by a loss of interest or pleasure in normally enjoyable activities.• This disorder is known as a

syndrome due to the fact that it is a list of symptoms that make up the disorder

Characteristics (Continued)• In severe cases, depressed people my

have symptoms of psychosis, which can include hallucinations, delusions, catatonia, and thought disorder• Other symptoms include poor

concentration and memory, withdrawal from social situations and activities, reduced sex drive, and thoughts of death or suicide. • Insomnia is another common

association with depression

Characteristics (Continued)• Physical symptoms of depression

may include fatigue, headaches, and digestive problems.• Decreased appetite with weight

loss or increased appetite with weight gain may occur• Behavior may be characterized as

agitated or lethargic.

Comorbidity• Comorbidity is defined as “the presence of one or

more additional disorders (or diseases) co-occurring with a primary disease or disorder; or the effect of such additional disorders or diseases.”• For Major Depression, 51% of people with the disorder

also suffer from lifetime anxiety.• One or more pain symptoms are present in 65% of

depressed patients• Also associated with a 1.5 to 2-fold increased risk of

cardiovascular disease.

Causes • Depends on model that is being

referred to:• The biopsychosocial model

proposes that biological, psychological, and social factors all play a role in causing depression• The diathesis–stress model

specifies that depression results when a preexisting vulnerability, or diathesis, is activated by stressful life events.

• Can be caused through direct damage to the cerebellum

Diagnosis • A diagnostic assessment may be conducted by a

suitably trained general practitioner, or by a psychiatrist or psychologist.• They record the person's current circumstances,

biographical history, current symptoms and family history.• No biological tests can confirm major depression.

Prevention• Behavior interventions such as interpersonal therapy

and cognitive-behavioral therapy.• The internet has been suggested to be the most

effective way to reach depression victims.• Preventative programs with a competence-enhancing

component to be superior

Management • The three most common

treatments for depression are medication, psychotherapy and electroconvulsive therapy.• Psychotherapy is used on those

who are underage• Electroconvulsive therapy is

only used as a last resort.

Prognosis • Whether or not it is treated, most cases of major

depressive disorder resolve themselves over time.• The median duration for an episode has been

estimated to be around 23 weeks• The highest rate of recovery is experienced in the first

three months

My Own Depression

Things just seem “off” or “wrong”

I don’t feel hopeful or happy about anything in my life

I feel like I’m moving in slow motion

Carrying on a normal conversation is a struggle

Smiling feels stiff and awkward. It’s like my smiling muscles are froze

I feel like I cant do anything right

In my perception of the world around me, it’s always cloudy. Even on sunny days, it seems cloudy and gray

I have recurring thoughts of death and have suicidal impulses. Suicide seems like a welcome relief