Major depressive disorder
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| + | '''Major depressive disorder''', also known as '''major depression''', '''unipolar depression''', '''clinical depression''', or simply '''depression''', is a [[mental disorder]] characterized by a pervasive low mood, loss of interest in a person's usual activities and diminished ability to experience pleasure. The diagnosis is made if a person has suffered one or more [[major depressive episode]]s. The onset is usually in early- to mid-adulthood. Diagnosis is based on the patient's self-reported experiences and observed behavior. There is no laboratory test for major depression, although physicians often test for physical conditions that may cause similar symptoms before arriving at a diagnosis. The course varies widely: it can be a once-in-a-lifetime event or have multiple recurrences; it can appear either gradually or suddenly; and can either last for a few months or be a life-long disorder. | ||
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| + | The term "depression" is commonly used in the vernacular to describe a temporary [[depression (mood)|depressed mood]], when a person may feel sad or "down." Ideas about what causes and constitutes depression have [[Major_depressive_disorder#History|evolved over the centuries]]. Today, many mental health professionals regard "''major'' depression" as a serious and often disabling condition that can significantly affect a person's work, family and school life, sleeping and eating habits, general health and ability to enjoy life. | ||
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Revision as of 21:57, 23 June 2008
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Major depressive disorder, also known as major depression, unipolar depression, clinical depression, or simply depression, is a mental disorder characterized by a pervasive low mood, loss of interest in a person's usual activities and diminished ability to experience pleasure. The diagnosis is made if a person has suffered one or more major depressive episodes. The onset is usually in early- to mid-adulthood. Diagnosis is based on the patient's self-reported experiences and observed behavior. There is no laboratory test for major depression, although physicians often test for physical conditions that may cause similar symptoms before arriving at a diagnosis. The course varies widely: it can be a once-in-a-lifetime event or have multiple recurrences; it can appear either gradually or suddenly; and can either last for a few months or be a life-long disorder.
The term "depression" is commonly used in the vernacular to describe a temporary depressed mood, when a person may feel sad or "down." Ideas about what causes and constitutes depression have evolved over the centuries. Today, many mental health professionals regard "major depression" as a serious and often disabling condition that can significantly affect a person's work, family and school life, sleeping and eating habits, general health and ability to enjoy life.
