Major depressive disorder (MDD)

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

Major depressive disorder (MDD), often known as clinical depression, is a major mood condition that affects how people think, feel, and behave, and can result in a number of physical and mental difficulties. Furthermore, an individual's capacity to conduct daily tasks such as work, eating, and sleeping is impacted (Nelson, E. & Strakowski, 2015). For a person to be diagnosed with MDD, symptoms must be present for more than two weeks. According to study, MDD was one of the most frequent mental diseases in the United States in 2015. Approximately 7% of Americans over 18 years experienced an episode of MDD (Nelson, E. & Strakowski, 2015). In order for a person to be diagnosed with MDD symptoms must be present over a period of more than two weeks. In the US, MDD is considered to be one of the most common mental disorders, in 2015 according to research, approximately 7% of Americans over 18 years experienced an episode of MDD (Nelson, E. & Strakowski, 2015). While some individuals never seek treatment, MDD is treatable through medications, psychotherapy inclusive of other methods.

Symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder

There exists many symptoms directly associated with MDD as per the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). Some of the symptoms that Julie is likely to exhibit include feelings of sadness or irritability on a daily basis, loss of interest in activities that one enjoyed before such as sports and hobbies, sudden weight gain or loss resulting in anorexia, and sleep disturbances such as insomnia or hypersomnia (Nelson, E. & Strakowski, 2015). Other symptoms that Julie might exhibit include feelings of heightened restlessness, lack of overall body energy, feelings of either intense guilt, self-blame, or worthlessness over insignificant issues and fixation on the past failures.

Additional Symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder

Julie is also likely to have difficulty in thinking, decision making and concentrating. The tendency to have thoughts on inflicting harm on oneself as well as suicidal thoughts are also common among patients with MDD. Other symptoms of MDD include a high degree of irritability, frustration which results in sudden angry outburst even over small matters (Nelson, E. & Strakowski, 2015). Conclusively, Julie is also likely to exhibit high anxiety levels, agitation, restlessness and unexplainable physical problems which can include headaches and back pain.

Reference

Nelson, E. & Strakowski, S. (2015). Major Depressive Disorder. Oxford University Press.