What is Major Depressive Disorder?
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), commonly known as clinical depression, is a mental health disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest or pleasure in activities. It is more than just feeling down or having a “bad day.” MDD significantly impacts a person’s thoughts, emotions, and daily functioning.
Key features of Major Depressive Disorder include:
Depressed Mood: Persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, or low mood that last most of the day, nearly every day. This mood disturbance is often accompanied by a loss of interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyable.
Cognitive Symptoms: Individuals with MDD may experience cognitive impairments such as difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or remembering information. They may also have negative thoughts, excessive self-blame, feelings of worthlessness, or recurring thoughts of death or suicide.
Physical Symptoms: Physical manifestations of MDD can include changes in appetite (significant weight loss or gain), disrupted sleep patterns (insomnia or excessive sleepiness), decreased energy levels, and psychomotor agitation or retardation.
Impaired Functioning: Major Depressive Disorder often interferes with an individual’s ability to perform daily activities, including work or school responsibilities, social interactions, and self-care tasks. The person may withdraw from social situations and isolate themselves.
Duration and Frequency: To meet the diagnostic criteria for MDD, these symptoms must be present most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks. The symptoms should also cause significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
MDD is a treatable condition. Various treatment options, including psychotherapy (such as cognitive-behavioral therapy) and medication (such as antidepressants), are available to help individuals manage and overcome Major Depressive Disorder. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial in promoting recovery and improving the individual’s overall well-being.
According to the Singapore Mental Health Study conducted in 2016, which surveyed individuals aged 18 years and above, the lifetime prevalence of any mood disorder (including MDD) was estimated to be around 5.8%. This study provided valuable insights into the mental health landscape in Singapore, including the prevalence of different mental health conditions.
It’s worth noting that MDD can affect individuals across different age groups and demographics. Depression does not discriminate based on age, gender, or socioeconomic background. However, specific risk factors such as family history, personal experiences, stressors, and certain medical conditions can contribute to an individual’s susceptibility to MDD.
