Diagnostic Criteria for Major Depressive Disorder

Major depressive disorder is characterized by one or more episodes of major depression, without any manic or hypomanic episodes (which could indicate the presence of bipolar disorder). The low moods and sadness of major depression are more severe and persistent than those found in dysthymic disorder. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, major depressive disorder is more common in women than men, with a lifetime risk for women that could be as high as 25 percent and up to a 12 percent risk for men.

Types

• PsychologyNet.org classifies symptoms of major depression into those affecting mood, body and cognition (thinking).

Symptoms

• People with major depression suffer from at least five of the following: (1) depressed mood; (2) diminished interest or pleasure; (3) weight changes; (4) excessive sleep or insomnia; (5) physical slowing or agitation; (6) fatigue; (7) feelings of worthlessness or guilt; (8) impaired concentration or indecisiveness; (9) recurrent thoughts of death or suicide.

Duration

• Symptoms must be present most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks.

Severity

• Symptoms must be severe enough to cause significant distress or impairment with work, family, friends or other areas of life.

Differential

• Diagnosis requires ruling out other psychiatric disorders and possible effects of drugs or general medical conditions. Also, if the depression began with grief or bereavement, the symptoms must be severe and persist longer than two months.

Warnings

• If you suspect you might be experiencing major depression, online screening and assessment can be helpful tools; however, they are only guides. Many conditions can cause symptoms of depression, and only a professional can make a diagnosis.

  Major depressive disorder can cause suicidal thoughts. If you find yourself thinking of death of suicide, contact a doctor immediately.