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Depression is a mental illness that can have mild, moderate, or severe symptoms. Clinical depression, also known as MDD or major depressive disorder, is the most severe form of depression. This is different from the depression one might experience because of grief or another medical condition.
Symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder
Health professionals have a diagnostic criterion they use to determine if a person is suffering from major depressive disorder. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association determines an MDD diagnosis based on the following:
According to the American Addiction Centers, someone with major depressive disorder must experience five or more of the following symptoms for at least two weeks to be diagnosed with this condition:
- Depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day
- Decreased interest in previously enjoyed activities or hobbies
- Drastic weight loss or gain that cannot be attributed to diet
- Insomnia or hypersomnia
- Psychomotor agitation
- Fatigue or loss of energy
- Feelings of worthlessness and guilt
- Difficulty thinking or concentrating
- Recurrent thoughts of death or suicidal ideation
What is Minor Depression?
Minor depression or everyday depression is a milder form of depression than major depressive disorder. Though it has much of the same diagnostic criteria, the length of time these symptoms last and the severity of the symptoms are less severe.
Symptoms of minor depression can include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Depressed mood nearly every day for most of the day
- Changes in appetite and weight loss/gain
- Insomnia or hypersomnia
- Thoughts of worthlessness or inappropriate guilt
- Thoughts of suicide
- Fatigue
According to the American Addiction Centers, “These symptoms come from the same list of symptoms used to diagnose major depressive disorder, however someone with everyday depression experiences only a few of these symptoms, as their condition is typically milder than major depression.”
Risk Factors and Causes
Minor and Major Depressive Disorder are both complex mental health conditions with a slew of risk factors and possible causes. Some of these include:
Risk Factors
- Genetics
- Trauma
- Chronic stress
- Poor nutrition:
- Substance abuse
- Unresolved grief or loss
Causes
Some potential causes for depression include:
- Brain chemistry: An imbalance in brain chemicals can contribute to the development of major depressive disorder.
- Hormones: Changes in hormone levels, such as during pregnancy or menopause, can affect mood and increase the risk of depression and MDD.
- Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders, can affect mood and increase the risk of depression and MDD.
- Substance use: Substance use can affect brain chemistry and contribute to the development of depression and MDD.
- Life events: Significant life events, such as a breakup or job loss, can trigger the onset of depression and/or MDD.
Is Major Depressive Disorder a Disability?
Because major depressive disorder can drastically impede a person's ability to function in day-to-day life, it is considered a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). To be considered a disability for an individual, they must first seek treatment and a proper diagnosis. If a person meets the criteria for MDD and is diagnosed with the condition, it may be possible to seek extra support under the ADA. Excel Psychiatry notes, “Other factors that can influence a diagnosis include the individual’s medical and family history, as well as any substance abuse concerns. After a diagnosis is formed, it must be established that the disability is causing severe limitations on an individual’s life. Only then may one be considered for disability, which may be obtained by filing at a local Social Security Administration office.”
Whether you are struggling with minor depression or major depressive disorder, it is necessary to seek professional treatment. A medical doctor will be able to provide you with the proper diagnosis to determine the correct course of treatment for the type of depression you are suffering with. Do not wait to get help.