Major Depressive Disorder

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses major depressive disorder. It describes the history of the disorder, the diagnostic features and symptoms common with it and the prevalence of the disorder. It then presents a differential diagnosis and discusses how the disorder changes depending on factors that are specific to the individual. The paper also looks at the affect of culture and gender on major depressive disorder. Finally, the paper discusses treatment options and the ramifications of the disorder for the individual.

Table of Contents:
History
Diagnostic Features
Prevalence of the Disorder
Differential Diagnosis
Course of the Disorder
Specific Cultural and Gender Feature Issues
Treatments
Psychosocial Ramifications of the Disorder
Conclusions

From the Paper:

"The causes of major depressive disorder may be due to heredity, social and emotional factors, specific life events and neurotransmitter issues. Although major depressive disorder can occur at any age, it is most commonly found in people over the age of 20 and the symptoms are specific to the individual. In general, however, the symptoms indicate that the person will develop a separation from normal functioning and a distance from the pleasure that is derived from living. The extent of the disorder can be from mild to severe and the patient may exhibit periods of remission, followed by recurrences of the disorder (Field, Hayes, Johnson, McCabe, and Schneidermen, 2000, p. 69)."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Alpert, J., and Fava, M., (2004). Handbook of chronic depression: Diagnosis and therapeutic management. New York: Dekker.
• Bender, K., and Furman, R. (2003). The social problem of depression: A multi-theoretical analysis. Journal of sociology and social welfare. 30(3): 123-141.
• Boulard, N., Edenfield, T., Hermann, B. Kubik, E., Lamattina, S., Pells, J., Schartel, J., Sigmon, S., and Smith, S. (2005). Gender differences in self-reports of depression: The response bias hypothesis revisited. Sex Roles: A Journal of Research. 53(5-6): 401-425.
• Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, fourth edition. (1994). Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association. (Please note: This was a required source).
• Ellison, J., and Verma, S. (2003). Depression in later life. New York: Dekker.

More papers on Major Depressive Disorder:

• Analytical Essay # 130942 : "Major Depressive Disorder"
• Case Study # 70271 : "Major Depressive Disorder and Therapy"
• Essay # 137262 : "Mood Disorders: Major Depressive Disorder"
• Research Paper # 54213 : "Major Depressive Disorder: A Psychological Disorder"

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