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Psychotherapeutic Treatments of Major Depressive Disorder

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Psychotherapeutic Treatments of Major Depressive Disorder
Psychotherapeutic Treatments of Major Depressive Disorder
Seham Saba
National University

Author Note
This paper is being submitted to Eugene Furnace, MS in partial fulfillment of the requirements for Clinical Assessment II, PSY623B, on May 2nd, 2013.
Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Seham Saba, College of Letters and Sciences, National University San Bernardino Campus, 804 East Brier Drive, San Bernardino, CA 92408. E-mail: sehamsaba@hotmail.com

Abstract
This paper reviews the DSM-IV TR diagnostic of major depressive disorder and its psychotherapeutic treatment options. The author will first describe and explain depression and its DSM-IV criteria. Then the author will analyze the different psychological approaches use in the treatment of major depressive disorder which includes interpersonal psychotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. The author also describes some of the pharmacological approaches to treatment of major depressive disorder and its side effects. Finally depression during pregnancy and its treatment options will be discussed. Keywords: depression, psychotherapy, treatment, pregnancy, pharmacological

Psychotherapeutic Treatments for Major Depressive Disorder
According to the World Health Organization (2012), around 350 million people are currently affected by major depressive disorder (MDD) and it is estimated to cause one million deaths a year due to increased risk of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts; MDD is considered to be one of the most serious health conditions. MDD is a recurrent, impairing, and common condition that increases the risk of problems in many and different areas of a person’s life. MDD can lead to interpersonal problems, unemployment, drug or alcohol abuse, delinquency, suicide attempts, poor functioning at school, and poor functioning at work (WHO, 2012).
Given this detrimental effects to individuals and families affected by MDD, it is important to clearly


References: Alternatives to antidepressants during pregnancy. (2010). Harvard Mental Health Letter, 27(2), 4-5. Beevers, C. G. (2011). Introduction: Evidence-Based Practice for Major Depressive Disorder. Retrieved from http://www.wiley.com/legacy/wileyblackwell/images/Springer_c01.pdf Blankertz, L.Nakhai-Pour, H., Broy, P., & Bérard, A De Vera, M. A., & Bérard, A. (2012). Antidepressant use during pregnancy and the risk of pregnancy-induced hypertension Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders: DSM-IV-TR. (4th ed.). (2000). Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association. Parcells, D. (2010). Women 's mental health nursing: depression, anxiety and stress during pregnancy. Journal Of Psychiatric & Mental Health Nursing, 17(9), 813-820. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2850.2010.01588.x Preston, J., O 'Neal, J WHO | Depression. (2012). Retrieved from http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs369/en/
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