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Outline the diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder.

Clinical Psychology

Psychology Essays

 A Level/AS Level/O Level

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Diagnostic Criteria for Major Depressive Disorder
Introduction: Briefly define major depressive disorder (MDD) and mention its significance. State that this essay will outline the diagnostic criteria according to a recognized diagnostic manual (e.g., DSM-5 or ICD-10).

DSM-5 Criteria
Criterion A: List and briefly explain the five or more symptoms present during the same 2-week period, emphasizing that at least one symptom must be depressed mood or loss of interest/pleasure.
Criterion B: Explain that these symptoms must cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
Criterion C: Clarify that the episode is not attributable to the physiological effects of a substance or another medical condition.
Criterion D: Explain the need to differentiate MDD from other disorders, such as bipolar disorder, by considering if the episode is better explained by schizoaffective disorder, schizophrenia, schizophreniform disorder, delusional disorder, or other specified and unspecified schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders.
Criterion E: Mention the absence of a manic or hypomanic episode criterion.

Conclusion
Briefly summarize the key points discussed and emphasize the importance of accurate diagnosis for appropriate treatment and management of MDD.

Free Essay

Diagnostic Criteria for Major Depressive Disorder
Introduction: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), also known as clinical depression, is a mental health disorder characterized by a persistent and pervasive low mood, loss of interest, and various other symptoms that significantly impair an individual's daily functioning. This essay will outline the diagnostic criteria for MDD according to the most widely used diagnostic manual, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5) (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).

DSM-5 Criteria
Criterion A: To be diagnosed with MDD, individuals must experience five or more of the following symptoms during the same 2-week period, with at least one symptom being either depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure:

⭐Depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day, as indicated by subjective report (e.g., feeling sad, empty, hopeless) or observation by others (e.g., appears tearful).
⭐Markedly diminished interest or pleasure in all, or almost all, activities most of the day, nearly every day (as indicated by subjective account or observation).
⭐Significant weight loss when not dieting or weight gain (e.g., a change of more than 5% of body weight in a month), or decrease or increase in appetite nearly every day.
⭐Insomnia or hypersomnia nearly every day.
⭐Psychomotor agitation or retardation nearly every day (observable by others, not merely subjective feelings of restlessness or being slowed down).
⭐Fatigue or loss of energy nearly every day.
⭐Feelings of worthlessness or excessive or inappropriate guilt (which may be delusional) nearly every day (not merely self-reproach or guilt about being sick).
⭐Diminished ability to think or concentrate, or indecisiveness, nearly every day (either by subjective account or as observed by others).
⭐Recurrent thoughts of death (not just fear of dying), recurrent suicidal ideation without a specific plan, or a suicide attempt or a specific plan for committing suicide.


Criterion B: These symptoms must cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. The individual's mood and behavior must be significantly different from his or her usual self, impacting their relationships, work, and overall well-being.

Criterion C: The episode is not attributable to the physiological effects of a substance (e.g., a drug of abuse, a medication) or another medical condition (e.g., hypothyroidism, brain tumor). It's crucial to rule out any underlying physical conditions that may be causing depressive symptoms.

Criterion D: The symptoms are not better explained by schizoaffective disorder, schizophrenia, schizophreniform disorder, delusional disorder, or other specified and unspecified schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders. This criterion emphasizes the need to differentiate MDD from other related disorders, especially those with psychotic features.

Criterion E: There has never been a manic or hypomanic episode. This is a key distinction from bipolar disorder, which involves periods of elevated mood (mania or hypomania) in addition to depressive episodes.


Conclusion
The DSM-5 provides a comprehensive set of criteria for diagnosing MDD. Accurate diagnosis is critical for ensuring that individuals receive appropriate treatment and support. Treatment options for MDD vary and can include psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of both. By understanding the diagnostic criteria, clinicians can effectively identify and treat this debilitating mental health disorder, fostering improved mental well-being for those affected.


References
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). <i>Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders</i> (5th ed.). American Psychiatric Association.

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