Cody Sasser

3/23/17

Paper #1

Major Depression Disorder

Major Depression Disorder is a common and severe mood disorder. The disorder affects

the way you hand the daily operations such as sleeping, eating, and also working. A couple of

symptoms that will help you determine whether you have a depression disorder would be, for

example if you have thoughts of death or suicide, or if feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or

helplessness begin to become a problem for at least a two-week period then you should go get

yourself diagnosed and treated by a doctor before it becomes any worse. A Major Depression

Disorder tends to be deeper than a regular disorder and once you experience multiple episodes of

two-week periods of depression that is when you must seek help by a doctor.

What is the history behind this diagnosis?

Major depression affects about 6.7% of the U.S. population over age 18. (National

Institute of Mental Health). Studies show that around 20-25% of adults may suffer a sign of

major depression disorder at some point in their life span. Major depression can affect just about

everyone living, but frequently goes undiagnosed and untreated in todays world.

How is this disorder diagnosed?

The disorder should always be diagnosed by a specialist after you have experienced

multiple episodes of two-week periods of depression symptoms.

What are the symptoms of this disorder?

There is not one specific symptom that diagnosis this disorder but some include:

Persistent sad, anxious mood

Feelings of hopelessness

Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness

Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities

Decreased energy or fatigue

Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts

Can this disorder be prevented?

A good way to prevent this disorder is all about fixing your lifestyle. For example,

trying to stay on a consistent diet, trying to get good amounts of sleep, and also thinking

positively, keeping yourself busy and involved whether its at work or volunteering, and

obviously visiting a therapist more often than not. Preventing this disorder is not easy but your

family members play a big role in how you tailor your lifestyle to make it a lot easier to live

without the disorder.

How many people/children are affected with this disorder?

In the U.S. on average ages 15 to 44.3arw affected with this disorder. The disorder affects

more than 15 million American adults, or about 6.7 percent of the U.S. population at age 18 and

older in a given year (ADAA.ORG). While major depressive disorder can develop at any age,
the median age at onset is 32.5. Woman are more likely to become diagnosed with this disorder

rather than men.

What description does the DSM5 say about this disorder?

They said they did not change the diagnosis of this disorder because the disorder is so

commonly diagnosed there is no need to change the core criteria of symptoms for major

depression, or the 2-week time period needed before it can be diagnosed.

How is this disorder treated?

As soon as someone is diagnosed then they should begin treatment for this disorder and

the earlier it starts, the more effective it is. There is no specific step by step way to handle

depression but most ways the disorder is treated is with medications, psychotherapy, or a

combination of the two. If these treatments do not reduce symptoms, then specialists tend to try

and work with other therapies that are usually not needed in most cases.

What is recommended (if any) interventions for this disorder?

Someone who is diagnosed with the disorder will have a therapist who they meet with at

certain times to talk about how they are feeling and it is used to have the patients open up more.

Interventions are not recommended because you dont want someone with depression to think

that at a intervention with their family that everyone is against him/her and it turns the depression

into a worst state. What is recommended is the family members of the diagnosed patient try and

keep that person involved and not just sitting around thinking of their thoughts because that is

when the disorder turns worse.

What medications are recommended for this disorder?

 There is not one specific medication that all doctors subscribe because patients have

different diagnosis for depression. For example,

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors

Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors

Norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors

These specific medications are the most popular medications because they have little side

effects and with depression you do not want to mess with the patients head anymore.

What impact does this disorder have on the individual?

There is not one specific impact on an individual but there are many effects including:

Poor coping skills

Attempts to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol

Anxiety

Decreased immune system functioning

Social isolation

Suicide

Is this disorder genetic, is there a hereditary component?

This disorder is not always genetic but if any of your family members have experienced

major depression disorder than you are at risk to experience this disorder. The risk factors for this

disorder would be:

 Personal or family history of depression

Major life changes, trauma, or stress

Certain physical illnesses and medications

Is this disorder life long or short term?

There is never a specific recovery time during depression because it always depends on

how severe the disorder is and how you react while youre going through treatments. For

example, if you go through depression and the medicine you are subscribed reacts wrong on you

then the disorder could take a turn for the worse.

Is there a specific group that is more likely to be diagnosed with this disorder?

Adults with major depressive disorder affect twice as many women as men. Major

depression disorders average age diagnosis ranges around 25-44 years of age. If you are 65 years

of older then you are rarely at risk for depression. With children it is different, girls and boys

experience it at the same rate.

Is this disorder typically comorbid?

Major depression disorder is usually comorbid because major depression tends to lead to

more disorders. For example, anxiety usually occurs when you are a diagnosis of major

depression disorder.

What level of independence will a person have as an adult with this disorder?

Any patient that has major depression disorder usually tends to be by themselves too

much and sometimes that can result to worsening the disorder. Family members and friends
should always take time out of their day to make sure the patient is not by themselves or else the

disorder could worsen.

Are there any physical/appearance characteristics of this disorder?

Drowsiness

Weight loss

Tends to be alone

Scared to talk

Facts about depression

Abraham Lincoln first fell into a deep depression after Ann Rutledge, his first love, died.

Lincoln reportedly suffered from chronic depression his entire life.

One in four Americans will experience depression.

References

(2016). Major Depression Disorder. National Institute of Mental Health

Cameron, (2007). Understanding Comorbid Depression and Anxiety. Psychiatric times.

Bressert, S. (2017). Depression Symptoms (Major Depressive Disorder). Psych Central.