Major Depresive
Disorder
Ember G.
Psy 101- Mrs.Reasnor 10/14/2025
Definition
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a serious mood disorder that causes persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest. Classified as a mood disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Affects how a person feels, thinks, and handles daily activities such as work, sleep, and eating. Symptoms must be present for at least two consecutive weeks to meet diagnostic criteria.
Affects about 7% of adults in the U.S. each year More common in women than men Onset usually occurs in late teens to early 30s Leading cause of disability worldwide (WHO, 2023)
Prevalance
Biological factors: Neurotransmitter imbalances (serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine)Genetic factors: Family history increases risk Environmental factors: Trauma, abuse, major life stressors Psychological factors: Low self-esteem, negative thinking patterns
Cause & Risk Factors
Emotional Signs and symptoms
Persistent sadness or emptiness Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities Suicidal thoughts or self-harm ideation
Physical and cognitive signs and symptoms
Fatigue or loss of energy Changes in appetite or sleep patterns Difficulty concentrating or making decisions Slowed speech or movements
‘Your now is not your forever’
John Green
Diagnosis
Diagnosed using DSM-5 criteria Requires five or more symptoms lasting two weeks Must cause significant distress or impairment Rule out medical conditions or substance use
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) – severe, lasting episodes Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia) – chronic, mild depression Postpartum Depression – after childbirth Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) – related to light exposure
Types of Depressive Disorder
Medications
SSRIs (e.g., Prozac, Zoloft) SNRIs (e.g., Cymbalta, Effexor) Atypical antidepressants (e.g., Wellbutrin) Takes 4–6 weeks for full effect Must be monitored for side effects
Psychotherapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Changes negative thought patternsInterpersonal Therapy (IPT): Focuses on relationships and social roles Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT): Combines CBT with meditation
Emerging treatments
Lifestyle: Exercise, balanced diet, regular sleep Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT): For severe or treatment-resistant depression Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Ketamine Therapy: Rapid symptom relief in some cases
Many recover fully with treatment Some experience recurrent episodes Early intervention improves outcomes Importance of ongoing support and self-care
Prognosis
Prevention & Coping
Build strong support system Stress management and relaxation techniques Avoid alcohol and substance abuse Seek help early when symptoms appear
Refrences
American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed., text rev.; DSM-5-TR). Mayo Clinic. (2024). Depression (major depressive disorder). https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression National Institute of Mental Health. (2023). Depression. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression World Health Organization. (2023). Depression fact sheet. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/depression
MDD- Ember G
ember garcia
Created on October 14, 2025
Start designing with a free template
Discover more than 1500 professional designs like these:
View
Modern Presentation
View
Terrazzo Presentation
View
Colorful Presentation
View
Modular Structure Presentation
View
Chromatic Presentation
View
City Presentation
View
News Presentation
Explore all templates
Transcript
Major Depresive
Disorder
Ember G.
Psy 101- Mrs.Reasnor 10/14/2025
Definition
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a serious mood disorder that causes persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest. Classified as a mood disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Affects how a person feels, thinks, and handles daily activities such as work, sleep, and eating. Symptoms must be present for at least two consecutive weeks to meet diagnostic criteria.
Affects about 7% of adults in the U.S. each year More common in women than men Onset usually occurs in late teens to early 30s Leading cause of disability worldwide (WHO, 2023)
Prevalance
Biological factors: Neurotransmitter imbalances (serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine)Genetic factors: Family history increases risk Environmental factors: Trauma, abuse, major life stressors Psychological factors: Low self-esteem, negative thinking patterns
Cause & Risk Factors
Emotional Signs and symptoms
Persistent sadness or emptiness Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities Suicidal thoughts or self-harm ideation
Physical and cognitive signs and symptoms
Fatigue or loss of energy Changes in appetite or sleep patterns Difficulty concentrating or making decisions Slowed speech or movements
‘Your now is not your forever’
John Green
Diagnosis
Diagnosed using DSM-5 criteria Requires five or more symptoms lasting two weeks Must cause significant distress or impairment Rule out medical conditions or substance use
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) – severe, lasting episodes Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia) – chronic, mild depression Postpartum Depression – after childbirth Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) – related to light exposure
Types of Depressive Disorder
Medications
- Antidepressants:
SSRIs (e.g., Prozac, Zoloft) SNRIs (e.g., Cymbalta, Effexor) Atypical antidepressants (e.g., Wellbutrin) Takes 4–6 weeks for full effect Must be monitored for side effectsPsychotherapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Changes negative thought patternsInterpersonal Therapy (IPT): Focuses on relationships and social roles Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT): Combines CBT with meditation
Emerging treatments
Lifestyle: Exercise, balanced diet, regular sleep Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT): For severe or treatment-resistant depression Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Ketamine Therapy: Rapid symptom relief in some cases
Many recover fully with treatment Some experience recurrent episodes Early intervention improves outcomes Importance of ongoing support and self-care
Prognosis
Prevention & Coping
Build strong support system Stress management and relaxation techniques Avoid alcohol and substance abuse Seek help early when symptoms appear
Refrences
American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed., text rev.; DSM-5-TR). Mayo Clinic. (2024). Depression (major depressive disorder). https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression National Institute of Mental Health. (2023). Depression. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression World Health Organization. (2023). Depression fact sheet. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/depression