According to the Center for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Health and Nutrition Examination
Survey reports that of those ages 12 years and older, 8% reported that they
were currently depressed. This survey was conducted between 2007-2010.The
survey further found that women reported higher rates of depression than men in
all age groups. Current depression was defined by those experiencing symptoms
within the two weeks prior to completing the health survey.
The Diagnostic and Statistical
Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) list several symptoms that must be present
in order for a person to be diagnosed as experiencing a Major Depressive
Disorder. These symptoms include:
- Depressed mood more days than not, for most of the day
(this can be self-reported feelings or reported observations by
others),
- Loss of interest in most activities throughout the day
- Weight gain or loss that is significant and not
attributed to dieting( this can also be an increase or decrease in
appetite)
- Problems falling asleep or staying asleep (insomnia) or
excessive tiredness/problems staying awake during the day (hypersomnia)
- Unintentional or purposeless motions such as pacing or
tearing at the skin (psychomotor agitation)
- Fatigue more days than not or a loss of energy
- Excessive feelings of guilt or worthlessness most
days
- Decreased ability to think or concentrate
- Thoughts of suicide, attempts of suicide, or plans of
suicide, that are recurrent
Of the symptoms listed above, five
or more must be present within the same two week period, include item one and
two of the preceding list, and impair normal functioning. Special consideration
is given to a person's cultural expression of emotions, normal responses to
significant losses (i.e within the context of a natural disaster), and an
individual's history. The DSM-V further
outlines that these symptoms must cause distress in important areas of functioning
(i.e personal relationships or work).
A licensed professional is essential
in determining the cause of your symptoms which includes ruling out that the
symptoms are not a result of another medical condition or substance use. There
are also several other considerations, not outlined in this article, such as
symptoms specific to children, which must be reviewed in order to be properly
diagnosed. This article should not be used a diagnostic tool, only a licensed
professional can properly diagnose.
Options for treatment may include
antidepressant medication, group therapy, and interpersonal psychotherapy.
Contacting your primary care physician, local mental health service agency, or
insurance carrier may further assist you with identifying treatment options
available to you. With millions of Americans living with a mental health
disorder in any given year, Major Depressive Disorder is viewed as a serious
health diagnosis warranting treatment. If you're feeling majorly depressed,
seek treatment.
Resources:
