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DEPRESSION IN ADULTS

Adult Depression (Ages 18-60)

“Depression” (Major Depressive Disorder or Bipolar Disorder in a depressed phase) is a common and severe mood disorder characterized by a persistent feeling of sadness, hopelessness and loss of interest. It can affect the way you feel, sleep, eat and behave and it is not uncommon to develop physical symptoms such as pain or digestive issues. Additionally, depressive disorders are characterized by mood changes that often affect all aspects of one’s daily functioning. It is not just feeling “blue” on occasion and more than a case of persistent sadness. It is significant, real and sometimes even dangerous when you begin to feel that life is not worth living. Suicidal thoughts, plans and attempts are not uncommon.

With that said, it is important to note that there are various degrees of sadness and depression. Adults with mild to moderate cases of depression may be able to get well with psychotherapy. Other moderate to severe depressions will require pharmacotherapy or medication.

Adult Depression

The diagnostic criteria for major depression listed in the Diagnostic Statistical Manual V are as follows:

The DSM-5 outlines the following criterion to make a diagnosis of depression. The individual must be experiencing five or more symptoms during the same 2-week period and at least one of the symptoms should be either (1) depressed mood or (2) loss of interest or pleasure.

Depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day.

Markedly diminished interest or pleasure in all, or almost all, activities most of the day, nearly every day.

Significant weight loss when not dieting or weight gain, or decrease or increase in appetite nearly every day.

A slowing down of thought and a reduction of physical movement (observable by others, not merely subjective feelings of restlessness or being slowed down).

Fatigue or loss of energy nearly every day.

Feelings of worthlessness or excessive or inappropriate guilt nearly every day.

Diminished ability to think or concentrate, or indecisiveness, nearly every day.

Recurrent thoughts of death, recurrent suicidal ideation without a specific plan, or a suicide attempt or a specific plan for committing suicide.

To receive a diagnosis of depression, these symptoms must cause the individual clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. The symptoms must also not be a result of substance abuse or another medical condition.

Psychiatric Care

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If you are struggling with certain treatment resistant psychiatric symptoms and do want to pursue the possibility of psychiatric medications, then we can help by scheduling you through Mynd Works Psychiatry at any time and help you determine a path that works for you.

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