Major depressive disorder (MDD) has been a hot topic in the psychological community for years. But what exactly is MDD, and why does it matter? To answer this question, we must first look at the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM V). This manual is used by mental health professionals to diagnose a variety of disorders. It contains criteria that must be met in order for an individual to be diagnosed with a particular disorder. In this blog post, we'll explore the DSM V's criteria for major depressive disorder.
The DSM V defines Major Depressive Disorder as “a period of two weeks or longer during which there is either depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure, and at least four other symptoms that reflect a change in functioning, such as problems with sleep, eating, energy, concentration, and self-image”. This means that an individual must meet five distinct criteria in order to be considered as having MDD.
The primary symptom of MDD is depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure. This can manifest itself in different ways depending on the individual; some people may feel hopeless or worthless while others might have difficulty finding joy in activities they previously enjoyed. In addition to this primary symptom, there are four other symptoms that must also be present for an MDD diagnosis: changes in sleep patterns (too little or too much), changes in appetite (eating more/less than usual), fatigue/low energy levels, difficulty concentrating/making decisions, and feelings of guilt/worthlessness.
In order to qualify for an MDD diagnosis according to the DSM V criteria, all five symptoms must occur at the same time and last for two weeks or more without any relief from treatment or natural causes. Additionally, these symptoms must cause significant distress or impairment in social functioning; if any aspect of life is affected by these symptoms—work performance, relationships with family/friends—it could indicate that someone may need help managing their depression.
While major depressive disorder can vary greatly from person to person based on individual experience and circumstances, understanding the DSM V criteria can help you recognize when it’s time to seek help from a mental health professional. Knowing what constitutes MDD can also provide clarity around what types of treatments will be most effective for managing depression—because everyone deserves access to quality care when it comes to their mental health. If you think you might have MDD based on these criteria outlined above then it’s important that you reach out to your doctor right away so they can assess your situation and develop a plan with you tailored specifically towards your needs!
Blog written by:
Lisa Anderson
Owner of A Healing Place