Major depressive disorder | Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, & Medication | Britannica (original) (raw)
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major depressive disorder, mental disorder characterized by persistent hopelessness, disinterest in and lack of enjoyment of normal activities, and prolonged sadness. Major depressive disorder affects people on a daily basis in isolated or recurring episodes lasting several weeks.
Symptoms of major depressive disorder include, in addition to those mentioned above, insomnia or hypersomnia, unusual weight changes, lethargy or restlessness, difficulty in concentrating or decision-making, and forgetfulness. Individuals who are affected by major depressive disorder may also experience feelings of guilt or worthlessness and thoughts of death or suicide.
Symptoms may vary with age and gender. Children may be sad, clingy, or irritable and may resist going to school. Teens may experience a lack of self-worth, emotional sensitivity, and self-destructive behaviors such as drug use and self-harm. Men are more likely than women to experience anger and to rely on alcohol or drugs to help them cope with their negative feelings. Women usually experience feelings of guilt, and they are more likely than men to attempt suicide. Major depressive disorder is nearly twice as common among women than it is among men.
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Causes
A number of factors may contribute to the onset or continuance of major depressive disorder. The most common causes are biochemical or psychosocial in nature; in many instances, both factors play a role. Research on biochemical factors linked to major depressive disorder centers largely on chemical imbalances in the brain resulting from the defective regulation of the release of one or more naturally occurring neurotransmitters, particularly norepinephrine and serotonin. (Some researchers, however, have disputed the theory that chemical imbalances can be a cause of depression.) In women, biochemical causes may also include significant hormonal changes associated with puberty, pregnancy, miscarriage, and menopause.
Psychosocial causes of major depressive disorder may include traumatic events such as the death of a family member or close friend and physical, emotional, or sexual abuse. Life-changing experiences such as leaving home, job loss, and divorce may also trigger a major depressive episode. Stressful life circumstances, such as the need to balance family and work, the pressures of being a primary caregiver, or the challenges of single parenting—all of which are more likely to affect women than men—are other potential sources of depressive episodes. Adverse experiences during childhood may result in structural and functional changes in the brain that lead to major depressive episodes in later life.
Treatment and prevention
Treatment modalities include medication and talk therapy. Medications to treat major depressive disorder include antidepressants such as bupropion, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and tricyclic antidepressants. A therapist may provide strategies to encourage positive thought processes as well as suggestions to improve a patient’s overall lifestyle. Without treatment, depressive episodes in major depressive disorder can last 6 to 12 months. Difficult cases are sometimes treated with shock therapy, ketamine, and transcranial magnetic stimulation.