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Definition of Minor Depression

Symptoms of minor depression can be self-reported by an individual or observed by others. Typically, patients may present to counselors or physicians with vague complaints including fatigue, appetite or weight changes and mood disturbance. At times, somatic complaints without a medical origin can signal a doctor to the diagnosis of a minor depressive disorder. Becoming aware of symptoms and labeling the disturbance as depression can help patients initiate appropriate treatment.

  1. Minor Depressive Disorder

    • Minor depressive disorder is diagnosed by identifying a mood disturbance or loss of pleasure along with at least two, but less than five, of the other major depressive disorder symptoms. Symptoms include a rapid weight change without cause, insomnia or hypersomnia, daily fatigue, inappropriate guilt, poor concentration and thoughts of death without intent or plan to commit suicide. Minor depression is episodic and symptoms are not significant enough to impair functioning to the level of major depression. Symptoms are also less severe and more manageable.

    Dysthymia

    • Dysthymia is diagnosed by looking at symptoms of minor depression that are chronic over a course of at least two years. Symptoms include feelings of depression nearly every day along with low energy, low self-esteem, poor concentration, hopelessness and changes in sleep and appetite. People with dysthymia might complain of feeling "low" or "blah." The symptoms usually appear in childhood, adolescence or early adulthood and are present for several years.

    Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood

    • An adjustment disorder is diagnosed by identifying a specific event such as a divorce, loss of a pet, car accident or house fire. The symptoms occur within three months of the trigger and subside within six months. An adjustment disorder with depressed mood is diagnosed when a person is significantly tearful, hopeless and sad in excess of what would be expected following the event. The symptoms are similar to minor depressive disorder and impact daily functioning.

    Substance-Induced Mood Disorder

    • A substance-induced mood disorder with depressive features would include the presence of minor depressive symptoms within a month of using a specific substance. Substances that might enhance feelings of depression include alcohol, sedatives and opioids. The minor depressive symptoms are a direct result of the use of the substance and not an underlying mood disorder.

    Treatment

    • Treating minor depressive symptoms and disorders involves counseling and possibly medication, such as an antidepressant. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) at low doses are usually effective in treating minor depressive symptoms. These antidepressants are taken on a daily basis for at least six months to a year. Counseling techniques might include cognitive behavioral therapy or substance abuse treatment, depending on the diagnosed condition.

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