William H. Reading, MD
Psychiatric Disorders
Major Depression (Major Depressive Episode)
A major depressive episode may be present in either major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder. Major Depressive Disorder is also called unipolar depression, endogenous depression, or biochemical depression.
The person must have had at least 5 of the following symptoms and must include either depressed mood, decreased interest/pleasure, or both:
- For most of nearly every day, the patient reports depressed mood or appears depressed to others.
- For most of nearly every day, interest or pleasure is markedly decreased in nearly all activities (noted by the patient or by others).
- Although not dieting, there is a marked loss or gain of weight (such as five percent in one month) or appetite is markedly decreased or increased nearly every day.
- Nearly every day the patient sleeps excessively or not enough.
- Nearly every day others can see that the patient's activity is agitated or slowed.
- Nearly every day there is fatigue or loss of energy.
- Nearly every day the patient feels worthless or inappropriately guilty. These feelings are not just about being sick; they may be delusional.
- Noted by the patient or by others, nearly every day the patient is indecisive or has trouble thinking or concentrating.
- The patient has had repeated thoughts about death (other than the fear of dying), suicide (with or without a plan) or has made a suicide attempt.