Bipolar disorder (previously called manic-depressive illness) is another type of mood disorder consisting of periods of mania and depression. The diagnostic criteria and clinical presentation of the depressed phase of bipolar disorders is similar to that of MDD.
Major Depressive Disorder (Mdd)
MDD is the most severe form of depression and has the most prominent clinical symptoms. Symptoms of MDD include:
- persistent depressed or irritable mood most of the day (easily annoyed, angry, sad, anxious, hopeless; sometimes described as not having any emotion)
- markedly diminished interest or pleasure in all or almost all activities (not able to enjoy activities that were previously fun, easily bored, sits around and does not do much)
- significant weight loss or gain
- sleep disturbance (trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, waking up too early, or sleeping more than usual)
- psychomotor retardation (appearing to have slowed-down thinking and movements) or agitation (new onset of restless activity, pacing, unable to stay still)
- fatigue or loss of energy (frequent complaints of feeling tired or having to push hard to do usual activities)
- feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt (very self-critical, blaming self for minor transgressions)
- difficulty concentrating (distractible, unable to focus on challenging tasks, forgetful, indecisiveness)
- thoughts of death or suicide, or attempting suicide
According to the American Psychiatric Association, to be diagnosed with MDD, the child or adolescent must have at least five of the above symptoms nearly every day for at least two weeks, and one of those symptoms must be either: (1) depressed or irritable mood; or (2) loss of interest and pleasure.
