Depressive Disorders Summary

Depressive Disorders Overview

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

  • Characterized by major depressive episodes lasting at least 2 weeks.
  • Diagnosis requires at least 5 of 11 symptoms:
    1. Depressed mood
    2. Diminished interest or pleasure
    3. Significant weight loss or changes in appetite
    4. Insomnia or hypersomnia
    5. Observable psychomotor agitation or retardation
    6. Fatigue or energy loss
    7. Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
    8. Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
    9. Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide
  • Symptoms must cause distress/impairment, not due to medical condition/substance use.
  • Severity rated as mild, moderate, or severe.
  • Prevalence: 14.3% worldwide; 20.6% lifetime in U.S. adults.
    • Highest in women (26.1%) and Native Americans (28.2%).

Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD)

  • Chronic symptoms lasting at least 2 years (1 year for children/adolescents).
  • Symptoms include:
    • Sleep disturbances
    • Low energy
    • Low self-esteem
    • Difficulty with concentration
    • Feelings of hopelessness
  • Lifetime prevalence: 2.5% U.S. adults; 1-year prevalence: 1.5%.
  • Symptoms often reported as physical issues in older adults.

Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)

  • Diagnosis for children with severe irritability and temper outbursts (≥3/week) for at least 1 year.
  • Symptoms must be present in multiple settings; onset must be before age 10.
  • Not to pathologize typical childhood behavior.

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)

  • Diagnosed for mood changes (dysphoria, irritability) linked to menstrual cycle.
  • Risk for increased suicidality; influenced by biological and psychological factors.