Major depression encompasses disorders that were once conceptualized
separately. A form sometimes called melancholia, is most common among
older adults people, as are depressions characterized by psychotic features such
as delusions and hallucinations. Anxiety symptoms such as panic attacks,
phobias, and obsessions also often found mixed with depressive symptoms, making
diagnosis an inexact art at times.
Definition:
Major depressive disorder consists of one or more
major depressive episodes each of which lasts at least 2 weeks. The most prominent
symptoms of major depressive disorder are depressed mood and loss of interest or
pleasure. Patients also tend to have other symptoms, but these vary from
person-to-person. Insomnia and weight loss often accompany major
depression, but depressed patients may also gain weight and sleep
excessively.
Related Terms
• Dysthymia
• Bipolar Disorder
• Antidepressants
Also Known As: Major Affective Disorder, Involutional Melancholia (melancholia in older persons), psychotic depression (when psychotic symptoms are included)
Common Misspellings: melencholia, melancolia, depresion, depresson
Related Resources:
Depression Resources
Lots of resources about Major Depression and other forms of depressionAntidepressant Medications
One of the effective ways to treat Major DepressionExercise more effective than Zoloft
for treating depression and preventing its return.Treat Your Depression over the Phone
Does it really work? It seems to help mild-to-moderate depression.What if It's Not Depression?
Chronic fatigue, thyroid problems & autoimmune disorders can mimic depression.
Elsewhere on the Web:
Depression Resources at MEDLINEPlus
Resources chosen by NIH for their content.About's Depression Site
A site with even more information on DepressionWing of Madness - A Depression Guide
A site which emphasizes the biological basis for depression, but acknowledges the role of psychotherapy as well.