Major Depressive Disorder (Depression)

Question 1

what is depression

Answer 1

mood disorder that persists with constant sadness and loss of interest

Question 2

what classification is used to diagnose depression

Answer 2

the DSM-5 criteria

Question 3

DSM-5 criteria in the diagnosis of depression?

Answer 3

Major depression requires at least one of the core symptoms:
Persistent sadness or low mood nearly every day
Loss of interests or pleasure in most activities

Along with some of the following symptoms:
Fatigue or loss of energy
Worthlessness, excessive or inappropriate guilt
Suicidal thoughts
Diminished ability to think or concentrate
Psychomotor agitation and retardation
Insomnia
Changes in appetite and/or weight loss

Question 4

how long do symptoms need to persist in order to be classified as depression

Answer 4

2 weeks at least

Question 5

risk factors for developing MDD

Answer 5

female sex, other mental problems, past history of depression, significant physical disability or illness

Question 6

investigations

Answer 6

CLINICAL DIAGNOSIS:

Question 7

what assessments may aid the diagnosis of depression

Answer 7

Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9)

Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD) Scale

Beck’s Depression Inventory

Question 8

what investigations may be done to rule out other reasons for symptoms

Answer 8

FBC, serum electrolytes, thyroid function tests, B12 and folate

Question 9

treatment

Answer 9

supportive care, monitoring, psychotherapy AFTER MENTAL HEALTH ASSESSMENT

antidepressants such as SSRIs (citalopram, sertraline)

Question 10

prognosis

Answer 10

About 50% to 60% of young people respond to first psychotherapy or medication treatment

however, reoccurrence rate is HIGH