Major Depressive Disorder

Diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder

Additionally, the diagnosis of major depressive disorder follows the criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders fifth edition (DSM-5). The first criterion is that the patient must present five or more of the following symptoms that occur concurrently in two weeks and cause significant impairment in one's functioning: depressed mood, diminished interest in activities that bring one pleasure, significant weight loss or gain, insomnia, psychomotor retardation, fatigue, feeling of worthlessness and poor concentration (APA, 2022). The patient should experience these symptoms nearly every day. These symptoms should also affect one's daily functioning. The second criterion is that the above symptoms should cause distress and impairment in one's social, occupational, and other spheres of functioning (APA, 2022). The symptoms should not be associated with substance use disorder. Furthermore, the symptoms should not be attributed to schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders. Lastly, the patient should never have experienced a manic or hypomanic episode. When the patient's case fulfills each of these criteria, the client can be positively diagnosed with major depressive disorder. Clinicians must observe each criterion to prevent misdiagnosis.

Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder

A combination of psychotherapy and pharmacological treatments is an effective intervention for major depressive disorder. Regarding pharmacological therapy, antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), neurosteroids, and receptor antagonists are recommended for alleviating the symptoms and allowing the patient to enjoy a quality life (Galvão et al., 2021). Symptom reduction occurs because these medications uniquely alter the pathological mechanisms of major depressive disorder and restore normal cerebral processes. Likewise, subjecting the patient to psychotherapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy empowers the patient to develop coping mechanisms against life stressors. The patients also acquire emotional intelligence that enables them to face difficult situations without falling into depression and can process past experiences without intense negative emotions. Altogether, combining medications and psychotherapy ensures sustained recovery.

In conclusion, major depressive disorder is a mental illness with debilitating effects on a person, necessitating effective intervention. It is caused by pathological mechanisms such as deficiency in the functioning of the monoamine system, poor expression of various receptors, and defects in the HPA axis. The diagnosis of major depressive disorder is guided by the DSM-5, which outlines criteria that must be followed. Furthermore, effective intervention encompasses combining antidepressants with psychotherapy. Given the prevalence of this disorder and its association with disability, realizing sustainable health outcomes is critical.