Psych Mood Disorder

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), or otherwise known as Major Depression, is a serious mood/mental disorder that drastically affects one’s life resulting in loss of interest, changes in diet, increase in irritability, and drop in mood. Major Depressive Disorder affects about 6.7% of the population of the United States over the age of 18. Although, MDD is common mostly in adults, it also affects teens and children. The main symptom of depression is a described as a sad or gloomy mood that doesn’t seem to go away. Although, some days, people just feel out of sorts, individuals with MDD experience their low feelings over extended periods of time. Although, in some cases, depression seems to follow after a traumatic event in one’s life, most of the time, doctors believe it’s is caused by the chemical imbalance in the brain. People with MDD lose interest in activities they once loved. Their mood becomes more irritable and often feel like they are worthless or failures. Many have trouble sleeping and develop insomnia. In several cases, there have been acts of suicide, suicide attempts, or the act of harming oneself, known as self-harm. Numerous depression treatments are available. Medications and psychological counseling (psychotherapy) are very effective for most people. A common way to treat people with MDD is to give them antidepressants. Antidepressants work to balance some of the natural chemicals in our brains. It may take several weeks for them to help. Psychotherapy is a general term for treating mental health problems by talking with a psychiatrist, psychologist or other mental health provider. During psychotherapy, you learn about your condition and your moods, feelings, thoughts and behaviors. Psychotherapy helps you learn how to take control of your life and respond to challenging situations with healthy coping skills.
Dysthymic Disorder, another depressive disorder, is a condition characterized by depressive symptoms that occur for days or for at least 2