Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
Question:
Am I experiencing depression? What distinctions exist between feeling depressed and being clinically diagnosed with depression? What are the indications of depression?
The DSM-5 provides specific criteria for diagnosing Major Depressive Disorder. To make the diagnosis, an individual should be encountering five or more of the following symptoms within a continuous two-week period, with at least one of them being either (1) a persistent sense of sadness or (2) a diminished interest or pleasure in activities.
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Persistent feelings of sadness throughout most of the day, nearly every day.
A noticeable decline in interest or joy in almost all activities, experienced most of the day, nearly every day.
Significant fluctuations in weight, unrelated to intentional dieting, or notable changes in appetite occurring almost every day.
Substantial alterations in sleep patterns, including both decreased or increased hours of sleep, and changes in sleep quality, on a daily basis.
Observable slowing of thought processes and a reduction in physical movement, or conversely, restlessness and heightened physical activity, noticeable to others rather than just subjectively felt. This may manifest as an inability to sit still, pacing, or wringing of hands.
Persistent fatigue or a pervasive loss of energy occurring nearly every day.
Daily experiences of worthlessness or an overwhelming sense of inappropriate guilt.
Difficulty concentrating, diminished cognitive abilities, or recurring indecisiveness, almost every day.
Recurrent contemplation of death, ongoing thoughts of suicide without a specific plan, or a suicide attempt or a specific plan for committing suicide
