Major depressive disorder is a complex mood disorder that impacts many people. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly 7% of U.S. adults suffer from this condition. Because major depressive disorder is so common, clinicians have developed effective ways of addressing this condition. If you’re concerned that you may be suffering from major depressive disorder, you can learn more about this condition, its symptoms, risk factors, and the benefits of therapy by reading this blog. The Lansing Counseling team would also be happy to answer any questions you may have.

What Is Major Depressive Disorder?

Depression is a common mood disorder. Many people don’t know that depression is actually a term that encompasses several different but related mood disorders, including major depressive disorder. Also called clinical depression, major depressive disorder is a condition that occurs when signs of depression are more severe, last longer than usual, or seem disproportionate to the situation. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5^th Edition (DSM-5), a diagnosis of major depressive disorder means that some combination of these symptoms should be present for at least two weeks.

What Are the Symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder?

The main symptom of major depressive disorder is a generally low mood, but this is just one of the many side effects that also include the following:

• Lack of energy or severe fatigue
• Feeling helpless, hopeless, or worthless
• Restlessness or difficulty sitting still
• Struggling to concentrate or focus during the day
• Loss of pleasure in activities previously enjoyed
• Changes in diet
• Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
• Suicidal thoughts

What Are the Risk Factors for Major Depressive Disorder?

Anyone of any age can struggle with major depressive disorder, but some factors that increase the risk for developing major depressive disorder include the following:

• Gender – women are more likely to develop major depressive disorder.
• Hormonal changes – pregnancy, menopause, stress-induced hormonal imbalance, and other changes in hormone production all increase risk for major depressive disorder.
• Grief and loss – the loss of a loved one, pet, important relationship, or job.
• Isolation – being physically distant from loved ones or experiencing increased feelings of loneliness.
• Conflicts – difficulties in relationships at home, work, or school.
• Life transitions – changes in any part of life can impact mood, including increasing risk for major depressive disorder.
• Abuse – physical, emotional, or sexual abuse can all lead to increased feelings of depression.

How Does Therapy Help with Major Depressive Disorder?

At Lansing Counseling, we may recommend talk therapy in combination with antidepressant medications to help individuals manage the effects of major depressive disorder on their daily lives. Therapy can help individuals make changes to improve their overall mood and address symptoms of major depressive disorder as they arise.    

How Do I Get Started Working with the Lansing Counseling Team?

If you’re interested in learning more about major depressive disorder and how therapy can help, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Lansing Counseling team by completing our simple online contact form, calling (517) 333-1499, or by emailing [email protected].