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Mental Health: Major Depression

Major Depression is a mood disorder characterized by a feeling of sadness and hopelessness.

Diagnosis: Presence of more than 5 symptoms during a 2 week period that is a change from previous functioning:

  • Depressed mood
  • Loss of interest/pleasure in all/most activities
  • Weight loss or gain by more than 5% in a month
  • Change in sleep (too little or too much)
  • Psychomotor agitation or slowing
  • Fatigue
  • Feeling worthless or guilty
  • Decreased concentration
  • Thoughts of suicide

In addition, the above symptoms cause significant distress and impairment in social or occupational functioning, are not attributable to another medical condition, not explained by another psychotic disorder, and are not accompanied by a manic or hypomanic episode.

Treatment: Options include cognitive behavioral therapy and pharmaceutical therapy.

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