Major depressive disorder

Major depressive disorder (MDD), also known as clinical depression, is a <a href="/facts/Mental_disorder/EPNjFtFf">mental disorder</a> characterized by at least two weeks of pervasive <a href="/facts/Depression_(mood)/GDNFWm1L">low mood</a>, low <a href="/facts/Self-esteem/vaMskKL0">self-esteem</a>, and <a href="/facts/Anhedonia/SMPHrCon">loss of interest or pleasure</a> in normally enjoyable activities. Introduced by a group of US clinicians in the mid-1970s, the term was adopted by the <a href="/facts/American_Psychiatric_Association/xn9juNST">American Psychiatric Association</a> for this <a href="/facts/Syndrome/JFVb3x8f">symptom cluster</a> under <a href="/facts/Mood_disorder/Y0Mjq3QR">mood disorders</a> in the 1980 version of the <a href="/facts/Diagnostic_and_Statistical_Manual_of_Mental_Disorders/pJ29wFmm">Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders</a> (DSM-III), and has become widely used since. The disorder causes the second-most <a href="/facts/Years_lived_with_disability/0YRn1r5H">years lived with disability</a>, after <a href="/facts/Low_back_pain/E9FI9vAe">lower back pain</a>.
The diagnosis of major depressive disorder is based on the person's reported experiences, behavior reported by family or friends, and a <a href="/facts/Mental_status_examination/NWMtjaMf">mental status examination</a>. There is no laboratory test for the disorder, but testing may be done to rule out physical conditions that can cause similar symptoms. The most common time of onset is in a person's 20s, with females affected about three times as often as males. The course of the disorder varies widely, from one episode lasting months to a lifelong disorder with recurrent <a href="/facts/Major_depressive_episode/pnjIjQno">major depressive episodes</a>.
Those with major depressive disorder are typically treated with <a href="/facts/Psychotherapy/n2hDjaop">psychotherapy</a> and <a href="/facts/Antidepressant_medication/N62ND3Fa">antidepressant medication</a>. While a mainstay of treatment, the <a href="/facts/Efficacy/PNlTeDtD">clinical efficacy</a> of antidepressants is controversial. Hospitalization (which may be <a href="/facts/Involuntary_commitment/BTP1LbKc">involuntary</a>) may be necessary in cases with associated <a href="/facts/Self-neglect/papEoWfm">self-neglect</a> or a significant risk of harm to self or others. <a href="/facts/Electroconvulsive_therapy/n498J3Km">Electroconvulsive therapy</a> (ECT) may be considered if other measures are not effective.
Major depressive disorder is believed to be caused by a combination of <a href="/facts/Genetics/bu8wne0A">genetic</a>, environmental, and psychological factors, with about 40% of the risk being genetic. Risk factors include a <a href="/facts/Family_history_(medicine)/0bv6h4pA">family history</a> of the condition, major life changes, childhood traumas, environmental <a href="/facts/Lead_exposure/STwlKj7c">lead exposure</a>, certain medications, <a href="/facts/Chronic_health_problem/6CqLP41r">chronic health problems</a>, and <a href="/facts/Substance_use_disorder/pSbdzb6a">substance use disorders</a>. It can negatively affect a person's personal life, work life, or education, and cause issues with a person's sleeping habits, eating habits, and general health.

Major depressive disorder open-in-new

Major depressive disorder