Symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder

Depression manifests differently in different people. However, some common symptoms can indicate Major Depressive Disorder. These symptoms must be present nearly every day for at least two weeks for a diagnosis of MDD.

• Persistent feelings of sadness, tearfulness, emptiness, or hopelessness
• Loss of interest or pleasure in most or all normal activities, such as hobbies or sports
• Sleep disturbances, including insomnia or sleeping too much
• Tiredness and lack of energy, causing small tasks to require extra effort
• Changes in appetite — often reduced appetite and weight loss, but increased cravings for food and weight gain in some people
• Anxiety, agitation, or restlessness
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt, fixating on past failures or blaming oneself for things beyond one's control
• Difficulty thinking, concentrating, making decisions, and remembering things
• Frequent thoughts of death, suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts or suicide

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of MDD is typically made by a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist, who will conduct a comprehensive medical evaluation and psychiatric assessment.

This may include asking about your symptoms, personal and family mental health history, any physical or mental health conditions, and any medications you're taking. The professional may use specific criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association, to diagnose MDD.

Self-help Tips for Managing Major Depressive Disorder

While clinical treatment is the primary way to manage Major Depressive Disorder, certain self-help strategies can also help manage symptoms:

Exercise

Regular physical activity can boost your mood and serve as a distraction from worries.

Eat healthily

A balanced diet impacts mood and energy.

Sleep well

Ensure adequate sleep and good habits.

Practice relaxation techniques

Techniques like mindfulness meditation can reduce depression symptoms.

Stay social

Connect with supportive loved ones.

Avoid alcohol and drugs

These can worsen depression and impair judgement.

Treatments

Depression is treatable, and most people with depression experience significant improvement with treatment. The most common forms of treatment for Major Depressive Disorder include:

• Psychotherapy: Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy (IPT), and problem-solving therapy are among the most researched types of psychotherapy for depression.
• Medications: Antidepressants, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), atypical antidepressants, tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), and Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), can be effective in treating depression.
• Brain Stimulation Therapies: Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and other brain stimulation therapies like repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) may be options for people with severe depression who do not respond to antidepressant medications.