What does MDD mean in PSYCHIATRY

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a long-lasting mental health condition that is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest in activities. Symptoms can vary from mild to severe, but typically include regular episodes of depressed moods and difficulty feeling pleasure in activities. People with MDD often also experience changes in sleep, appetite, energy levels, concentration, and even physical symptoms.

MDD affects over 16 million adults in the United States each year and is one of the most common mental health conditions. According to the World Health Organization, MDD ranks among the leading causes of disability worldwide and impacts people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds.

Common signs or symptoms associated with MDD include persistent feelings of sadness or emptiness; reduced pleasure or interest in activities once enjoyed; changes in sleep such as sleeping too much or too little; fatigue or low energy; difficulty concentrating; changes in appetite resulting in weight loss or gain; thoughts of death or suicide; restlessness; agitation; guilt; worthlessness; hopelessness; recurrent physical aches and pains that have no organic cause; social withdrawal from family and friends.

Yes, there are several different types of depression including major depressive disorder (MDD), persistent depressive disorder (PDD), seasonal affective disorder (SAD), postpartum depression (PPD), psychotic depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD), adjustment disorder with depressed mood (ADDM) and substance/medication-induced depressive disorder.

The exact cause(s) for major depressive disorder (MDD) remain largely unknown but may be related to a combination of biological vulnerabilities such as genetic factors along with environmental stressors like stressful life events or trauma. Imbalances in certain chemicals within the brain such as serotonin or dopamine may also contribute to problems with mood regulation which could lead to the development of this condition.

Anyone can develop MDD at any age although risk factors may vary depending on age group. Risk factors for adolescents include a family history of depression/mental illness, physical/sexual abuse, bullying/violence/traumatic events during childhood as well as low self-esteem and poor academic performance. For adults risk factors include chronic medical illness/pain, substance use disorders/abuse, poverty/unemployment status as well as major life changes such as divorce/separation. Women may also have an increased risk due to hormonal fluctuations associated with menstruation, pregnancy and menopause while the risk for seniors increases due to a greater likelihood for experiencing multiple chronic difficulties like pain along with social isolation due to retirement from work or other life transitions that commonly occur later in life.

Unfortunately there is no sure way to prevent yourself from developing depression however there are some strategies you can employ that may help reduce your risk such as engaging regularly in physical activity since exercise has been linked to improved mood levels plus having an increased sense of wellbeing through improved sleep quality/quantity along with reaching out socially through support networks like families & friends who will offer emotional connection & provide a listening ear when needed.

It is possible to treat your own depression without medications by employing certain coping skills like regularly engaging yourself in pleasurable activities which will help stimulate positive emotions & distract you away from negative thinking patterns plus talking about your struggles either through adequate communication within close relationships or talking therapy sessions if you prefer more professional help & guidance.

Generally speaking it can take up to 4-6 weeks before any form treatment starts showing significant improvement although this timeframe varies depending on individual's needs & circumstances so results should not be expected immediately nor should they be discarded if improvement isn't seen right away.