Major depressive disorder
Major depression is a mental-health disorder involving sustained low mood or loss of interest with other symptoms and functional effects. It is more than a brief period of sadness.
At a glance
Quick facts
- Category
- Mental and behavioural health
- What it is
- Major depression is a mental-health disorder involving sustained low mood or loss of interest with other symptoms and functional effects.
- Typical presentation
- Sleep or appetite changes, fatigue, impaired concentration, guilt, loss of pleasure and sometimes suicidal thoughts may occur.
- Assessment
- Clinical assessment examines symptom duration, impairment, safety, medical contributors and prior mania or hypomania before selecting treatment.
- Treatment approach
- Psychotherapy, antidepressant medicines or their combination are evidence-based options depending on severity and patient preferences; follow-up monitors response and adverse effects.
- Key safety concern
- Suicidal intent, inability to stay safe, psychosis or severe functional deterioration warrants immediate support and emergency services when needed.
Names & terminology
Understanding the name
Major depression is a mental-health disorder involving sustained low mood or loss of interest with other symptoms and functional effects. It is more than a brief period of sadness.
Clinical reference
Clinical profile
Overview
Major depression is a mental-health disorder involving sustained low mood or loss of interest with other symptoms and functional effects. It is more than a brief period of sadness.
Symptoms and presentation
Sleep or appetite changes, fatigue, impaired concentration, guilt, loss of pleasure and sometimes suicidal thoughts may occur.
CLINICAL FEATURES
Presentation and warning signs
The pattern varies and cannot replace an individual assessment.
- Sleep or appetite changes
- fatigue
- impaired concentration
- guilt
- Clinical assessment examines symptom duration, impairment, safety, medical contributors and prior mania or hypomania before selecting treatment
- Interpret results with history and examination
- Suicidal intent, inability to stay safe, psychosis or severe functional deterioration warrants immediate support and emergency services when needed.
Emergency symptoms and clinical severity should be assessed locally.
Clinical assessment and diagnosis
Clinical assessment examines symptom duration, impairment, safety, medical contributors and prior mania or hypomania before selecting treatment.
ASSESSMENT
How the clinical assessment proceeds
Exact investigations depend on the clinical context.
Treatment and management
Psychotherapy, antidepressant medicines or their combination are evidence-based options depending on severity and patient preferences; follow-up monitors response and adverse effects.
Treatment & care hub
Elements of care
Individual treatment is based on diagnosis, comorbidities and clinician assessment.
Understand the underlying condition
Clinical assessment examines symptom duration, impairment, safety, medical contributors and prior mania or hypomania before selecting treatment.
Choose evidence-based management
Psychotherapy, antidepressant medicines or their combination are evidence-based options depending on severity and patient preferences; follow-up monitors response and adverse effects.
Recognize warning signs
Suicidal intent, inability to stay safe, psychosis or severe functional deterioration warrants immediate support and emergency services when needed.
Complications and when to seek help
Suicidal intent, inability to stay safe, psychosis or severe functional deterioration warrants immediate support and emergency services when needed.
EVIDENCE AND DATA
Interpreting population statistics
Comparable, disease-specific prevalence or incidence data have not yet been curated for this entry. No prevalence estimate is supplied.
Frequently asked questions
What is Major depressive disorder?
Major depression is a mental-health disorder involving sustained low mood or loss of interest with other symptoms and functional effects. It is more than a brief period of sadness.
How is it assessed?
Clinical assessment examines symptom duration, impairment, safety, medical contributors and prior mania or hypomania before selecting treatment.
When should I seek urgent help?
Suicidal intent, inability to stay safe, psychosis or severe functional deterioration warrants immediate support and emergency services when needed.
Sources
- MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine — Major depressive disorder — health topic ↗
- NIMH — Mental health topics ↗
This is an editorial evidence summary awaiting independent clinician review. It is not a diagnosis, a treatment plan, or a substitute for personalized medical care.