Major depressive disorder (MDD), also known simply as depression, is a
mental disorder characterized by at least two weeks of
low mood that is present across most situations.[1] It is often accompanied by low
self-esteem,
loss of interest in normally enjoyable activities, low energy, and
pain without a clear cause.[1] Those affected may also occasionally have
false beliefs or
see or hear things that others cannot.[1] Some people have
periods of depression separated by years in which they are normal, while others nearly always have symptoms present.[3] Major depressive disorder can negatively affect a person's personal life, work life, or education as well as sleeping, eating habits, and general health.[1][3] About 2–8% of adults with major depression die by
suicide,[2][7] and about 50% of people who die by suicide had depression or another
mood disorder.[8]
The cause is believed to be a combination of
genetic, environmental, and psychological factors.[1] Risk factors include a
family history of the condition, major life changes, certain medications,
chronic health problems, and
substance abuse.[1][3] About 40% of the risk appears to be related to genetics.[3] The diagnosis of major depressive disorder is based on the person's reported experiences and a
mental status examination.[9] There is no laboratory test for the disorder.[3] Testing, however, may be done to rule out physical conditions that can cause similar symptoms.[9] Major depression is more severe and lasts longer than
sadness, which is a normal part of life.[3] Since 2016, the
United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has recommended screening for depression among those over the age 12,[10][11] while a 2005
Cochrane review found that the routine use of screening questionnaires has little effect on detection or treatment.[12]
^Cooney GM, Dwan K, Greig CA, Lawlor DA, Rimer J, Waugh FR, McMurdo M, Mead GE (September 2013). Mead GE (ed.). "Exercise for depression". The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 9 (9): CD004366.
doi:
10.1002/14651858.CD004366.pub6.
PMID24026850.
^Braun C, Bschor T, Franklin J, Baethge C (2016). "Suicides and Suicide Attempts during Long-Term Treatment with Antidepressants: A Meta-Analysis of 29 Placebo-Controlled Studies Including 6,934 Patients with Major Depressive Disorder". Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics. 85 (3): 171–79.
doi:
10.1159/000442293.
PMID27043848.
^Strakowski, Stephen M.; Nelson, Erik (2015).
"Introduction". Major Depressive Disorder. Oxford University Press. p. Chapter 1.
ISBN978-0-19-020618-5.
Archived from the original on 16 January 2021. Retrieved 6 August 2020.