What are the main characteristics of depression and what are the criteria needed before a diagnosis of depression can be given?
The correct answer and explanation is:
Characteristics of Depression
Depression is a mood disorder marked by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed. The main characteristics of depression include:
- Emotional Symptoms: These include prolonged sadness, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, and persistent feelings of emptiness.
- Cognitive Symptoms: These may involve difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or experiencing memory problems. There can also be recurring thoughts of death or suicide.
- Behavioral Symptoms: People with depression may withdraw from social activities, have trouble performing daily tasks, or exhibit a noticeable reduction in energy levels.
- Physical Symptoms: These can include changes in appetite and sleep patterns (either excessive sleep or insomnia), fatigue, unexplained aches or pains, and a general decline in physical health.
Criteria for Diagnosis of Depression
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), for a diagnosis of major depressive disorder to be made, the following criteria must be met:
- Duration: The person must experience symptoms for at least two weeks.
- Symptoms: The individual must show at least five of the following symptoms:
- Depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day
- Markedly diminished interest or pleasure in all, or almost all, activities
- Significant weight loss or gain, or changes in appetite
- Insomnia or excessive sleeping
- Fatigue or loss of energy
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Thoughts of death, suicide, or self-harm
- Impairment: The symptoms must cause significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
- Exclusion of Other Conditions: The symptoms should not be better explained by another mental health condition, substance abuse, or medical conditions such as thyroid problems.
Proper evaluation by a mental health professional is required to determine whether the criteria for depression are met.