What are the Symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder?
October 9, 2023 | by Sravani Pathakamuri | Posted in FAQ's
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), commonly known as depression, is a serious mental health condition characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyable. Symptoms can vary in intensity and duration, and not everyone will experience the same set of symptoms. Common symptoms of major depressive disorder include:
- Persistent feelings of sadness or a depressed mood: Feeling down, hopeless, or experiencing a pervasive sense of emptiness.
- Loss of interest or pleasure (anhedonia): Losing interest in activities, hobbies, or relationships that were once enjoyable or engaging.
- Changes in appetite or weight: Significant weight loss or gain due to changes in appetite.
- Sleep disturbances: Insomnia (difficulty falling or staying asleep) or hypersomnia (excessive sleeping), or disrupted sleep patterns.
- Fatigue or loss of energy: Persistent feelings of tiredness or a lack of energy, even after rest or sleep.
- Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt: Having a strong sense of guilt, worthlessness, or self-blame for perceived failures or shortcomings.
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions: Trouble focusing, making decisions, or experiencing memory problems.
- Agitation or psychomotor retardation: Restlessness or slowed movements and thoughts.
- Physical symptoms: Unexplained aches or pains, headaches, digestive problems, or other physical symptoms that don’t have a clear medical cause.
- Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide: Thinking about death, dying, or contemplating suicide. If you or someone you know is experiencing thoughts of suicide, seek immediate help.
- Social withdrawal: Avoiding social interactions and isolating oneself from friends, family, or social activities.
- Feelings of irritability or anger: Reacting with anger, irritability, or frustration to even minor irritations.
It’s important to note that experiencing some of these symptoms occasionally is a normal part of life, but in major depressive disorder, these symptoms persist for at least two weeks or longer and significantly affect daily functioning and quality of life. If you suspect you or someone you know may be experiencing major depressive disorder, seeking professional help from a mental health provider is crucial for proper assessment, diagnosis, and treatment.