Major Depressive Disorder - Causes & Symptoms Explained!

Major depressive disorder is a psychological illness that affects millions of individuals on an international level. Medical professionals refer to this illness as "Clinical Depression". In many instances, this is also referred to as "Unipolar Depression". This particular form of depression is characterized by a mood that is considered to be "low".

In the 1980 release of the manual known as the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders" the organization known as the American Psychiatric Association included the term of "major depressive disorder" as one of the most common mood based disorders. In this depression guide, you will be introduced to several facts pertaining to this prevalent and potentially disabling psychiatric condition.

Causes

Medical professionals have yet to determine one specific cause for major depressive disorder. Instead, they have established that there are several causes for this condition. One of the main areas of interest when it comes to the causes of this particular form of depression is the common chemical imbalances that may occur within the brain.

There are certain neurotransmitters within the brain that have a large impact on our ability to experience feelings such as pleasure. They also play a large role in the moods that we experience. These neurotransmitters are identified as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. It is believed that one of the main causes of major depressive disorder is an imbalance within these chemicals in the brain.

Medical professionals also believe that the family history plays a role in the development of major depressive disorder. Genetic predisposition may account for many cases of major depressive disorder according to many doctors. In many cases of this mental health condition, it has been established that another person in the family history also experienced depression.

The last cause that many medical professionals consider that could lead to this form of depression is the psychosocial based environment that a person lives in. As you can see, there are many different factors that could contribute to this form of depression among individuals.

The Symptoms

There are many symptoms associated with major depressive disorder. In order for an individual to be considered one that suffers from this condition, they must experience symptoms for at least two weeks. The mood that is reflected in the individual must be significantly different than that which is typically experienced by the individual. The change that is experienced must affect an individual negatively in at least one of the following ways:

• Occupational
• Social
• Educational

The common symptoms experienced when suffering from major depressive disorder includes, but is not limited to the following:

• Most people will feel depressed most of the time.
• Individuals that suffer from this condition will usually lose interest in the activities, situations, and people that they once had interest in.
• Fluctuations in the weight are common.
• Sleep disorders may be experienced by those that suffer from this form of depression.
• Many will feel as if they are worthless and have absolutely no value whatsoever.
• Most individuals that suffer from this will experience complications in performing day to day tasks, concentration levels, and other cognitive functions.
• Many may consider suicide. There are many people that do actually make an attempt to commit suicide while suffering from this form of depression.