Major depressive disorder (MDD), also known as clinical depression, is a mental disorder

characterized by at least two weeks of pervasive low mood, low self-esteem, and loss of
interest or pleasure in normally enjoyable activities.

Major depressive disorder is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic,

environmental, and psychological factors, with about 40% of the risk being genetic. Risk
factors include a family history of the condition, major life changes, certain medications,
chronic health problems, and substance use disorders. It can negatively affect a persons
personal life, work life, or education, and cause issues with a persons sleeping habits,
eating habits, and general health. Major depressive disorder affected approximately 163
million people (2% of the worlds population) in 2017. The percentage of people who are
affected at one point in their life varies from 7% in Japan to 21% in France. Lifetime rates
are higher in the developed world (15%) compared to the developing world (11%). The
disorder causes the second most years lived with disability, after lower back pain.
The Diagnostic and Statiscal Manual of Mental Disorder IV (2013) stated that if five or more of
the following symptoms have been present during the same two-week period, an individual
may be diagnosed with major depressive disorder.

The following are the diagnostic criteria:

1. Depressed mood most of the day

2. Diminished interest in all of the activities of the day
3. Significant weight loss or weight gain
4. Insomia or Hypersomia
5. Physchomotor agitation or retardation
6. Fatigue or lost of energy nearly every day
7. Feeling or worthlessnessor excessive and inappropriate guilt
8. Diminished ability to think or concentrate
9. Recurrent thoughts of death, suicide ideation, or suicide attempt
Common Types of Depressive Disorder

Major Depressive Disorder

Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of
interest. Also called major depressive disorder or clinical depression, it affects how you
feel, think and behave and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems. You
may have trouble doing normal day-to-day activities, and sometimes you may feel as if life
isn’t worth living.

More than just about of the blues, depression isn’t a weakness and you cant simple “snap
out” of it. Depression may require long-term treatment. But don’t get discouraged. Most
people with depression feel better with medication, psychotherapy or both.
Bipolar Disorder
a brain disorder that causes changes in a persons mood, energy, and ability to
function. People with bipolaf disorder experience intense emotional states that typically
occur during distinct periods of days to weeks, called mood episodes. These moods
episodes are categorized as manic/ hypomanic (abnormally happy or irritable mood) or
depressive (sad mood). People with bipolar disorder generally have periods of neutral
mood as well. When treated, people with bipolar disorder can lead full and productive
lives.

Postpartum Depression
The birth of a baby can trigger a jumble of powerful emotions, from excitement and joy
to fear and anxiety. But it can also result in something you might not expect---Depression.
Most new moms experience postpartum “baby clues” after childbirth, which commonly
include mood swings, crying spells. Anxiety and difficulty sleeping. Baby blues typically
begin within the first two to three days after delivery, and may last for up to two weeks.
Atypical Depression
also called depression with atypical features—means that your depressed mood can
brighten in response to positive events. Other key symptoms include increased appetite,
sleeping too much, feeling that your arms or legs are heavy , and feeling rejected.

Seasonal affective disorder

is a mood disorder subset, in which people who have normal mental health throughtout
most of the year exhibit depressive symptoms at the same time each year, most commonly
in winter. Common symptoms include sleeping too much, having little to no energy, and
overeacting. The condition in the summer can include heightened anxiety.
Persistent Depression Disorder
also called dysthymia is a continuous long-term (chronic) form of depression.
You may lose interest in normal daily activities , feel hopeless, lack productivity,and
have low self-esteem and an overall feeling of inadequacy. These feelings last for years
and may significantly interfere with your relationships, school, work, and daily
activities.

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)

is a health problem that is similar to premenstrual syndrome (PMS) but is more
serious. PMDD causes severe irritiability, depression , or anxiety in the week or two
before your period starts, Symptoms usually go away two to three days after your
period starts. You may need medicine or other treatment to help with your symptoms.