It is part of being a human to be despondent over a sad event or a loss of a person or a thing. With this thing in mind, when are we diagnosed with major depression? How is it different from the normal feeling of sadness or grief?
A major depression (also referred to as major depressive disorder MDD, recurrent depressive disorder, clinical depression, unipolar depression or unipolar disorder) is a mental illness which can be distinguished by a profound sadness or low mood or a disinterest in avocation once found pleasurable. Patients with MDD are usually given an antidepressant like Zoloft that acts on chemicals in the brain. It is advisable not to mix it with other drugs as
Zoloft can dangerously interact with other substances including alcohol.
Often we interchangeably use the term depression to MDD and lower mood problems which do not have clinical significance. MDD can enthrall ones general health, family, career or studies, sleeping and eating habits, and lifestyle. In the fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder (DSM-IV-TR) there are standard for identifying depressive conditions.
At least one of the 2 major symptoms need to be present to be diagnosed with MDD depressed mood and anhedonia (or the inadequacy to show enjoyment to an activity that used to be enjoyable). These symptoms, however, need to be constant for at least a period of 2 weeks. Further, DSM IV-TR excludes cases where the symptoms are accounted by bereavement although it is possible that an MDD might have evolved from the normal bereavement.
Still, the following symptoms may also be present in a person suffering from MDD:
- Significant weight loss when not on a diet or weight gain, or a change in appetite
- Insomnia or hypersomnia (excessive sleepiness)
- Psychomotor agitation or retardation
- Fatigue or loss of energy
- Feelings of worthlessness or excessive or inappropriate guilt
- Diminished ability to concentrate, or indecisiveness
- Recurrent thoughts of death, recurrent suicidal ideation or a suicidal attempt
Mood disorders like MDD should not be taken lightly and medical consultation is advised. Additionally, self-medication of Zoloft is not recommended especially without the medical diagnosis of MDD. Adverse effects, which includes Zoloft birth defects may occur if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
