Understanding MDD (Major Depressive Disorder)

Written by Aarushi Rai

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common disorder, though many simply refer to it as “depression”. That is incorrect because there is a difference between being in a depressive period once during a life situation and having an uncontrollable mood disorder that causes a never-ending feeling of sadness and loss of interest in everything. Much to many’s beliefs, it isn’t a weakness, and one can’t simply snap out of it or “stop being depressed”. Most diagnosed with MDD typically will have multiple episodes in which symptoms occur continuously. Symptoms vary from person to person but include things like negative feelings and sadness, anger and irritability and outbursts, changed appetite and weight, loss of interest in most or all activities, suicidal thoughts or attempts, sleep issues, anxiety, and much more.  

Since MDD can happen to any person at any time, a couple of causes have been identified that vary for each patient. Biological differences (physical changes in the brain), hormones (changes in the balance of hormones), and inherited traits (if blood relatives have had a history of MDD as well) are all various contributing factors. Another cause can be brain chemistry, as neurotransmitters in the brain have been found to play a role in depression because of changes in function and effectiveness. Additionally, a change in how neurotransmitters interact with neural circuits that are involved in maintaining the body’s mood stability may have a role in MDD. Research has found that this imbalance of neurotransmitters contributes to the development of depression, and disturbances in the complex neural circuits can also cause neurotransmitters’ secondary imbalances. 

There can be complications if MDD is not treated and this results in more problems, such as making previously-existing medical conditions more difficult to manage, pain or problems physically, difficulties with relationships, anxiety or panic disorders, etc. Despite this, there is no exact way to prevent MDD from occurring, other than to take steps to control stress, connect with loved ones, get treatment as soon as possible, as well as get long-term treatment to mitigate symptoms for a long time and prevent MDD from worsening. To diagnose, things like a physical exam or a psychiatric evaluation can be valuable. Like the disorder itself, treatment varies from person to person. Most use psychotherapy (seeing a psychiatrist, psychologist, or other mental health professional) and/or medications. Some common antidepressants include Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), which are considered safer with generally fewer side effects, Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs), atypical and tricyclic (which are very effective but tend to cause more severe side effects, leading to them being diagnosed if SSRIs don’t work) antidepressants, and Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs). Lastly, hospital and residential treatment or brain stimulation therapies can also be used if needed in extreme cases. 

Certain risk factors can increase a person’s risk for MDD, such as traumatic/stressful events, a genetic history of MDD, a history of other mental health disorders, and certain medications. Continuing with the theme, these vary from person to person. Finally, some actions can be taken at home to help with MDD symptoms. These include: not stopping taking medications without consulting a doctor, sticking to a treatment plan, paying attention to warning signs, avoiding addictive substances, and taking care of the body and mind as much as possible. At the end of the day, MDD can affect anyone, and it is one of the most common mental health conditions: it affects 5% to 17% of people at some point in their lives. Thus, being educated on the disorder, being able to identify possible symptoms, and best knowing how to aid those with MDD will help everyone in the long run. 

References

Depression (major depressive disorder) - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic. (2022, October 14). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/symptoms-causes/syc-20356007

Depression (major depressive disorder) - Diagnosis and treatment - Mayo Clinic. (2022, October 14). https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20356013

Professional, C. C. M. (n.d.). Clinical Depression (Major depressive disorder). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24481-clinical-depression-major-depressive-disorder

Written by Aarushi Rai from MEDILOQUY