Depression
Depression is a prevalent mental health disorder affecting millions globally. According to the World Health Organization, over 280 million people of all ages suffer from depression, making it a leading cause of disability worldwide. In the United States alone, the National Institute of Mental Health estimates that 8.4% of adults experienced a major depressive episode in 2020. Depression is more common in women than men, with lifetime prevalence rates showing women are nearly twice as likely to experience depression. This condition often begins in adolescence and can persist into adulthood, significantly impacting quality of life and daily functioning. Despite its prevalence, depression remains underdiagnosed and undertreated, highlighting the critical need for increased awareness and access to mental health care.
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What is depression?
Depression, clinically referred to as Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), is characterized by a persistent feeling of sadness or a lack of interest in external stimuli. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), outlines specific criteria for diagnosing Major Depressive Disorder. To be diagnosed, an individual must experience at least five of the following symptoms over a two-week period, and these symptoms must represent a change from previous functioning. At least one of the symptoms should be either (1) depressed mood or (2) loss of interest or pleasure.
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DSM-5 Criteria for Major Depressive Disorder
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Depressed Mood: Most of the day, nearly every day, as indicated by either subjective report (e.g., feels sad, empty, hopeless) or observation made by others (e.g., appears tearful).
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Diminished Interest or Pleasure: Markedly diminished interest or pleasure in all, or almost all, activities most of the day, nearly every day.
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Weight Changes: Significant weight loss when not dieting, weight gain, or decrease or increase in appetite nearly every day.
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Sleep Disturbances: Insomnia or hypersomnia nearly every day.
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Psychomotor Changes: Observable psychomotor agitation or retardation nearly every day (not merely subjective feelings of restlessness or being slowed down).
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Fatigue: Fatigue or loss of energy nearly every day.
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Feelings of Worthlessness or Guilt: Feelings of worthlessness or excessive or inappropriate guilt nearly every day.
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Cognitive Impairment: Diminished ability to think or concentrate, or indecisiveness, nearly every day.
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Thoughts of Death: Recurrent thoughts of death (not just fear of dying), recurrent suicidal ideation without a specific plan, or a suicide attempt or a specific plan for committing suicide.
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Additional Considerations
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The symptoms cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
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The episode is not attributable to the physiological effects of a substance or another medical condition.
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The occurrence is not better explained by schizoaffective disorder, schizophrenia, schizophreniform disorder, delusional disorder, or other specified and unspecified schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders.
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There has never been a manic episode or a hypomanic episode.
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Resources:
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Blackberry offers specialized behavioral therapies for depression. For questions or to schedule an appointment please call.
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Clinicians who treat depression:
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