Depression Wiki
Register
Advertisement

A major depressive episode is defined by the DSM as a period of two weeks or more where a person has either

  • depressed mood (can be irritable in children) or
  • the loss of interest or pleasure in nearly all activities

and may also have the following symptoms (at least 5 or more) nearly every day:

  • depressed (or irritable for children) mood by a person's own report or as observed by others
  • significantly diminished interest or pleasure in all, or almost all, activities most of the day
  • significant change in weight (not due to dieting) or appetite
  • insomnia or hypersomnia
  • observable physical agitation or lethargy
  • fatigue or loss of energy
  • feelings of worthlessness or excessive or inappropriate guilt
  • having difficulty thinking clearly or concentrating or indecisiveness
  • regular thoughts of death or suicide (either unplanned, planned, or attempted)

To meet clinical standards these symptoms also must cause significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.

The condition is also not caused or explained by the following:

  • A mixed episode (which includes rapid mood swings)
  • Due to effects of drugs or medication
  • Due to a medical condition
  • Better explained as bereavement


Mood disorders as diagnosed by the DSM edit
Mood episodes: Major depressive episode Manic episode Mixed episode Hypomanic episode

Depressive disorders: Major depressive disorder Dysthymic disorder Depressive disorder NOS (PMDD)

Bipolar disorders: Bipolar I disorder Bipolar II disorder Cyclothymic disorder Bipolar disorder NOS

Other mood disorders: Mood disorder due to a general medical condition Substance-induced mood disorder Mood disorder NOS

Episode specifiers: Severity Psychotic Remission Chronic Catatonic Melancholic Atypical Postpartum

Course specifiers: Longitudinal Seasonal (SAD) Rapid cycling

Advertisement