Clinical Depression or Major Depressive Disorder – What Does That Mean?
Major depressive disorder or clinical depression can often be treated for better quality of life.
What does the term clinical depression or major depression mean?
Sadness is a natural part of human being. People may feel depressed when they’re going through a life challenge such as serious illness, divorce or when their loved one passes away. Depression ranges in seriousness from mild, temporary episodes of sadness to severe, persistent depression. Clinical depression is the more-severe form of depression, also known as major depression or major depressive disorder (MDD).
Fortunately, major depression is well understood in the psychiatry and is often easily treatable through a combination of medication and talk therapy.
What are the symptoms of major depressive disorder?
To diagnose clinical depression, many doctors use the symptom criteria for major depressive disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association.
Signs and symptoms of clinical depression may include:
- Feelings of sadness, emptiness, and hopelessness
- Sleep disturbances or insomnia
- Loss of interest in normal activities
- Reduced appetite or weight loss
- Anxiety
- Trouble thinking and concentrating
- Thought of harming yourself or suicide
According to the diagnostic criteria symptoms must occur for a period of 2 or more weeks.
How is major depressive disorder treated?
MDD is often treated with psychotherapy and medication. Some lifestyle changes can also help ease certain symptoms and improve quality of life.
People who have severe medications might need to stay in hospital for further depression treatment and medications. While other that this, there are ways to treat MDD, such as:
Psychotherapy – psychological therapy or talk therapy, can be an effective treatment for MDD patients. It involves meeting with a psychiatrist on a regular basis to talk about your condition and related issues.
Lifestyle changes – including healthy eating, avoiding alcohol or any other addiction, get enough exercise, sleeping well, etc.
SEE ALSO: rTMS Treatment in Ahmedabad for Major Depressive Disorder
Wrapping Up…
It is obvious that a person with major depressive disorder can feel hopeless at times, but at the same time it’s important to know that major depression or clinical depression can be treated. We have to improve our outlook towards not only major depressive disorder but how we look at mental health issues these days.
Talking to a psychiatrist and a medical professional is the first step to living a happier, more fulfilling life.
Looking for major depressive disorder treatment in Ahmedabad? Drop us a message or give us a call for appointment.