Depression
Approximately 10% of the U.S. population suffers from a mood disorder (Kessler et al., 2005). Depression and mood disorders have extensive categories and definitions. For the purposes of this chapter, the definition of a specific type of depression—Major Depressive Disorder—is offered as a general description of what depression looks like for individuals living with this disorder.
A Major Depressive Episode is when a person experiences at least 2 weeks of nearly daily feelings of “either depressed mood or the loss of interest or pleasure in nearly all activities” (APA, 2000, p. 349), and it clearly marks a difference from past functioning. In addition, at least four of the following symptoms must also be experienced: “changes in appetite or weight” (increase or decrease); changes in sleep (increase or decrease); changes in psychomotor activity; “decreased energy, feelings of worthlessness or guilt; difficulty thinking, concentrating, or making decisions; or recurrent thoughts of death or suicidal ideation, or plans or attempts” of suicide (APA, 2000, p. 349). Symptoms of depression often include increased levels of stress, lack of or poor social support, decreased or poor coping skills, and the burden of underprivileged socioeconomic status (SES; J. S. Brown, Meadows, & Elder, 2007). Major depression is almost always a precursor to suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and completed suicide.
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