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Possible complications caused by Major Depressive Disorder (MDD):
- Excess weight or obesity, which can lead to heart disease and diabetes
- Pain or physical illness
- Alcohol or drug misuse
- Anxiety, panic disorder or social phobia
- Family conflicts, relationship difficulties, and work or school problems
- Social isolation
- Suicidal feelings, suicide attempts or suicide
- Self-injury (For example, cutting
- Premature death from medical conditions
Diagnoses of Major Depressive Disorder
- Physical Examination:
The doctor may do a physical
exam and ask questions about a person’s health. In some cases, depression may
be linked to an underlying physical health problem.
- Lab Tests:
For instance, the doctor may
do a blood test called a complete blood count or test the person’s thyroid to
make sure it's functioning properly.
- Psychiatric Evaluation:
A person’s mental health professional asks about their symptoms,
thoughts, feelings and behavior patterns. They may be asked to fill out a set
questionnaire of MDD to help answer these questions.
- DSM-5:
A Qualified Mental Health
Professional may use the criteria’s for depression listed in the Diagnostic and
Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), published by the American
Psychiatric Association.
Treatment for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD):
- Medications:
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A doctor may prescribe antidepressants, anti-anxiety, or antipsychotic
medications. Each type of medication that’s used to treat depression has its
own benefits and potential risks.
- Psychotherapy:
Speaking with a therapist can help a person to learn skills to cope
with negative feelings. They may also benefit from family or group therapy
sessions.
- Light therapy:
Exposure to doses of white light can help regulate mood and improve
symptoms of depression. This therapy is commonly used in seasonal affective
disorder (which is now called major depressive disorder with seasonal pattern).
- Alternative therapies:
Ask the doctor about
acupuncture or meditation. Some herbal supplements are also used to treat
depression, like St. John’s wort, SAMe, and fish oil. Talk with the doctor
before taking a supplement or combining a supplement with prescription
medication because some supplements can react with certain medications. Some
supplements may also worsen depression or reduce the effectiveness of the medication.
- Taking care of yourself
through:
1. Exercise:
Aim for 30 minutes of
physical activity three to five days a week. Exercise can increase the body’s
production of endorphins, which are hormones that improve a person’s mood.
2. Substance Abuse (avoiding
alcohol and drugs):
Drinking or using drugs may make a person feel better for a little
bit. But in the long run, these substances can make depression and anxiety
symptoms worse.
3. Learning to be more
assertive:
An overwhelming feel can worsen symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Setting boundaries in professional and personal life can help a person feel
better.
A person can also improve symptoms of depression by taking care of
themselves. This includes getting plenty of sleep, eating a healthy diet,
avoiding negative people, and participating in enjoyable activities. Sometimes
depression doesn’t respond to medication. The doctor may recommend other
treatment options if the symptoms don’t improve.
References
Kerr, M. (2017). Major Depressive
Disorder: Symptoms. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/clinical-depression#causes
WebMD. (2019). Major Depressive
Disorder: Symptoms. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/major-depression#1
Mayo Clinic. (2019). Depression: Major
Depressive Disorder. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/symptoms-causes/syc-20356007
Harvard Medical School. (2019). What
Causes Depression? Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/what-causes-depression
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