The Differences Between Minor Depression & Major Depression

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is the official name for the diagnosis of a mental condition that has specific criteria. MDD symptoms can be specified with the diagnosis ranging from mild, moderate to severe in addition to qualifying whether there is a single mood episode or the mood episodes are recurrent.

Major Depressive Disorder

• Major depression is identified when symptoms of chronically sad mood, loss of pleasure in activities, sleep and appetite disturbance, changes in energy level, excessive guilt and low self esteem are present.

Mild Major Depressive Disorder

• Experiencing symptoms on the continuum for the diagnosis of mild depression will cause discomfort but may need only minor intervention for treatment. Counseling and, possibly, medication are appropriate treatment options.

Severe Major Depressive Disorder

• Feeling severely depressed means that an individual finds it difficult to get out of bed, has trouble following through with work and home responsibilities and often has suicidal thoughts. Severe major depression requires swift intervention, possibly in the form of inpatient hospitalization.

Dysthymia

• Dysthymia is a minor form of depression. Dysthymia is categorized as feeling down or "blue" nearly every day over a period of at least two years. It requires minimal intervention to resolve symptoms.

Treatment

• Treating minor or major depression is dependent on the types of symptoms that are recognized. Depressive disorders respond well to counseling and medication. Severe forms of major depression usually require more intensive interventions and consistent follow up with a healthcare provider.