It is part of being a human to be despondent over a sad event or a loss of a person or a thing. Taking this into account, what else then is major depression? What borders between the normal sadness and the one considered as a mood disorder?
Major depression, also goes by the names such as major depressive disorder – MDD, recurrent depressive disorder, clinical depression, unipolar depression or unipolar disorder, is described as an all-encompassing low mood and reluctance to activities supposed found enjoyable. Patients who suffer from MDD are often treated with an antidepressant of which the most recommended is Zoloft. It is often given as a monotherapy as Zoloft can dangerously interact with alcohol and other substances.
Often, we associate depression straightaway to both MDD and lower mood states lacking clinical significance. MDD can enthrall one’s general health, family, career or studies, sleeping and eating habits, and lifestyle. A criteria has been made in order to diagnose depressive disorders on the fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statisticla Manual of Mental Disorder (DSM-IV-TR).
Classically there are two major symptoms of MDD – depressed mood and anhedonia (the inability to express happiness to a certain activity that used to be pleasurable), any of these symptoms should be present. These symptoms, however, need to be constant for at least a period of 2 weeks. Additionally, DSM-IV-TR does not include symptoms brought about bereavement though normal bereavement may likely progress to an MDD.
Still, the following symptoms may also be present in a person suffering from MDD:
Significant weight loss when not on a diet or weight gain, or a change in appetite
Insomnia or hypersomnia (excessive sleepiness)
Psychomotor agitation or retardation
Fatigue or loss of energy
Feelings of worthlessness or excessive or inappropriate guilt
Diminished ability to concentrate, or indecisiveness
Recurrent thoughts of death, recurrent suicidal ideation or a suicidal attempt
MDD and other mood disorders are serious illnesses and require medical attention. Furthermore, self-medicating Zoloft is also not advisable especially if you are not diagnosed with MDD. Adverse effects, which includes Zoloft birth defects may occur if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
If you find out that your newborn or someone you know suffers from birth defects caused by Zoloft, you can take legal action. Learn more about the issues surrounding this case.
Understanding Major Depressive Disorder
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