Major depression affects 15 million American adults per year and remains the leading cause of disability in the U.S., according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Major depression is persistent and can seriously impair daily living as it relates to thoughts, behavior, health, mood and activity. A major depression overview can provide the background necessary to recognize the illness and help take action to ensure a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Classifying Major Depression
Major depression is considered the most severe types of depression according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), a book published by the American Psychiatric Association used to diagnose and classify mental health conditions. Also known as clinical depression or unipolar depression, major depression remains one of several types of depressive disorders.
Symptoms
To diagnose major depression, the DSM states that several of the traditional symptoms of depression must be present, interfere with functioning, and last for longer than two weeks. Psychologyinfo.com lists symptoms that include persistently sad or irritable mood, pronounced changes in sleep, appetite and energy and trouble with memory or concentration. A lack of interest or pleasure in favorite past times, feelings of guilt, worthlessness, hopelessness and emptiness and recurrent thoughts of death or suicide may also be present. Patients may also complain of body aches, stomachaches and headaches.
Occurrence
According to psychinfo.net, many experience one episode of major depression following a significant trauma. After successful treatment, the depression will never appear again. Others may experience recurrent episodes which can occur years apart, usually also following trauma. Still others have mild depression without an obvious trauma, which then morphs into major depression with symptom intensity following a major life crisis.
Risk Factors
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) states on their website that major depression does not result because of just one factor. Rather, a combination of psychological, biological and environmental factors may all contribute to its development. Research suggests the brain neurotransmitters norepinephrine, serotonin and dopamine are involved with major depression, as is genetics and family history. Traumatic life events that lead to great loss and change may also work to trigger a major depression episode, as can heart disease, cancer and some medications.
Treatment
Many patients with major depression benefit from a combination of medication and cognitive therapy. In fact, NAMI's website states that up to 90 percent of people treated for major depression prove able to live healthy and productive lives. With regards to medication, many patients do not notice any improvements for six to 12 weeks, because it can take a while for the medication to build up to therapeutic levels.
