Question

Define Major Depressive Disorder. Then state the Etiology, Prognosis, Symptoms, Signs and Complications for this condition.

Answer 1

Major depressive disorder is the mental disorder characterized by sadness, grief, anxiety, stress, inability to experience happiness and pleasure, behavioural and mood changes. Some people may experience dellusion and hallucinations.

Etiology:

Major depressive disorder can be caused by variety of causes such as:

- genetics

- post traumatic

- postpartum depression

- neurological disorder such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease

- chronic stress or anxiety

- drug abuse

Signs and symptoms:

- anxiety

- mood swings

- unexplained crying or weeping

- headache

- fatigue

- lack of interest in social activities

- sadnness

- sleep disturbances

- behavioural changes

Complications : Major depressive disorder may result in several complications such as :

- People with major depressive disorder often develop severe mental illness such as psychosis and dementia

- major depressive disorder also increases the risk for cardiovascular diseases

- major depressive disorder also increases the risk for neurological disorder such as Alzheimer's disease, parkinsons

- suicide due to depression is major complication.

Prognosis:

Major depressive disorder often resolved after appropriate pharmacological treatment and psychological counselling. Many people without treatment also recover from the disorder.

But major depressive disorder is often associated with recurrence episode in life.

Sometimes major depressive disorder may lead to severe mental illness.