Everything You Need To Know About MDD – Major Depressive Disorder

Depression is a very common mental health condition and is suffered by millions of individuals worldwide. The most common treatment for depression is depression therapy given by a mental health professional, most commonly a clinical psychologist. The diagnosis of depression can be made on the basis of:

• A physical examination about the individual's health and if the mental health concern is linked to an underlying physical health condition. 
• Blood tests to ensure that the person’s thyroid isn’t malfunctioning.
• A detailed and in-depth psychological/psychiatric evaluation to understand the person’s symptoms, thoughts feelings and behaviors.
• The diagnosis can be made based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM 5) if the symptoms fulfill the criteria for depression.  

The many types of depression:

The symptoms that a person exhibits that are caused by depression differ from person to person. The clinical psychologist undertaking psychological therapy and diagnosis for the client may try to gauge specific features that may come with the disorder. 

• Mixed Features – Depression that may occur simultaneously with a manic disorder may bring about an elevated self-esteem or accelerated energy. 
• Melancholic Features – Depression may bring about a severe sense of melancholy that may make an individual lose interest in things that brought them pleasure as well as bring about sluggishness, a change in appetite as well as feelings of guilt and agitation. 
• Anxious Distress – Depression that brings with it an unusual and frequent restlessness or unhealthy worry about events that are beyond one's control.
• Psychotic Features – Depression that occurs with delusions, hallucinations and other negative mental themes. 
• Catatonia – Depression that causes retarded motor activities like uncontrolled or purposeless movements. 
• Peripartum Features – Depression that typically occurs during a woman’s pregnancy or weeks after the delivery. 
• Seasonal Changes – Depression that is, by and large, related to the change in seasons and has a lot to do with reduced exposure to sunlight.  

Treatment Options For Patients Suffering From Depression 

Through repeated studies and extensive research, it has been concluded that the most effective cures or treatment for depression is a combination of medications and psychotherapy. Even though your primary psychiatrist can prescribe medications to alleviate symptoms or relieve you from the onset of the symptoms, most people benefit more from seeing a mental health professional and attending therapy. A combination of both works better as opposed to just one of the two – medication or therapy. It is important to know that when one member of the family is suffering from depression or any other mental health disorder, consulting a marriage and family therapist can be beneficial too. Living with someone with a mental health condition can cause a major disruption within the family unit and family therapy can significantly help the family deal with this challenge. It is important for the family to know how to care for the suffering person and a marriage and family therapist can significantly aid this journey with the right advice and tools. They can also educate the family about the problem and how they can help the suffering individual to recover better by motivating them to comply to the prescribed course of treatment as well as giving them a supportive and healing environment.