Major Depressive Disorder
Overview
Major depressive disorder is a mood disorder causing persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest.
Symptoms
Low mood, fatigue, changes in appetite or sleep, and difficulty concentrating.
Causes
Thought to involve a combination of genetic, biological, and environmental factors.
Diagnosis
Diagnosed by a healthcare provider based on symptoms present for at least two weeks.
Treatment
Psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of both are commonly used.
Prevention
Maintaining social connections and healthy routines may help lower risk of recurrence.