Major Depressive Disorder is separated into two distinctions: major depressive disorder, single episode and major depressive disorder, recurrent. Single episode must last longer than two weeks and subsist up to 4-9 months, the cognitive symptoms are feelings of worthlessness and indecisiveness, and the physical symptoms are altered sleep patterns, loss of energy, changes in weight and appetite. This makes every physical activity very strenuous, pleasurable activities are no longer enjoyable (Anhedonia) and the person’s relationships begin to suffer. Major depressive disorder, recurrent is diagnosed with most of the symptoms that one experiences with the major depressive disorder, single episode, the only main difference is frequency and that recurrent episodes last usually 4-5 months. Major depressive disorder, recurrent is diagnosed when two major depressive episodes happen less than two months apart.
The unfortunate truth for those who experienced a major depressive episode is that they are 85% likely to have another episode and 20% likelier to experience another one within a year. Dysthymic disorder is related to major depressive disorder in that they share some similar symptoms, but dysthymia displays these symptoms in low levels and they can last up to 20-30 years. Hypomania is related to these major depressive disorders in that it falls under the mood disorder category, but it is somewhat different from a major depressive episode. They are similar because at the tail end of a manic episode one can experience anxiety and depression while still being manic. A hypomanic episode must last at least one week and can extend up to 3-6 months if not treated, symptoms are low levels of hyperactivity, little sleep and ideas of grandiosity, which at this low level usually doesn't result in function impairment.
Five Things to Know About MDD (Major Depressive Disorder):
1. Symptoms must persist longer than 2 wks and subsist up to 4-9 mos.
2. What are the symptoms (Sx)?
Cognitive Sxs: slowed cognitive processing, indeciveness, decreased perecption
Physical Sxs: altered sleep patterns, loss of energy, changes in weight and appetite.
Emotional Sxs: feelings of worthlessness, feeling sad, decreased feelings of happiness, inability to enjoy activities once enjoyed.
3. Having a depressive episode increases the likelihood of it happening again
4. Dysthmia is a lower level longer lasting subcategory of MDD
5. Mixed Episode: Hypomania and Depression- not Bipolar (but what's the difference really?)
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