Essay On Major Depressive Disorder

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INTRODUCTION Major Depressive Disorder BODY Major Depressive Disorder is a psychological disorder characterized by the presence of one or more depressive episodes in a person’s lifetime. 1) Feeling sad, empty, and irritable throughout the day, 2) loss of interest in normal activities, 3) change in weight/appetite, 4) change in sleeping pattern, 5) change in activity, 6) sudden loss of energy, 7) feeling worthless and guilty, 8) diminished ability of concentration, and 9) thoughts of death/suicide are, according to the DSM, the diagnostic criteria for Major Depressive Disorder. There are also conditions that may mimic/co-exist with Major Depressive Disorder. Substance abuse causes a change in the chemical balance in the brain and can cause depressed moods, medical illness can cause feelings of hopelessness leading to depressed moods. There is no set age at onset of this disorder. According to the DSM, the first depressive episode is said to occur generally in the mid-twenties; however, the first episode can be seen in early childhood, adolescence, or even old age. The degree of impairment for Major Depressive Disorder varies, however, when the symptoms finally do settle in, the severity of the symptoms heighten and for that reason, it cannot be said for sure when the exact onset is. 4 essential features of Major Depressive Disorder include 1) negative and pessimistic attitude and outlook of patients to the point their self-esteem sinks and they see themselves as worthless failures, 2) lack of energy to the point patients are unable to get themselves out of bed, 3) difficulty in thinking to the point patients have trouble concentrating, remembering, and making decisions, 4) and thoughts of death and suicide strongly to the point ... ... middle of paper ... ...py, the thoughts of my unhappiness are sitting beside me. I believe that I have progressed a lot already, without help of others but through my strength and only my willpower alone. Now that I have researched this disorder, and saw that there are many factors and perspectives that can root to my depression, I will start moving backwards and re-write my wrongs and put my life back on the right track. In “Man’s search for meaning,” Dr. Frankl said “If you want anyone to laugh you have to provide him with a reason.” Writing this paper has made me realize that I am not alone with my problems, my worries, and my sadness, but instead, there are many people out there who are experiencing the same if not worse scenarios as me. I will continue to search for that reason. Just because I got myself out of the extreme slump does not mean I am finished; I am only half-way there.

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