Wednesday, June 1, 2016

Cross Examining Psych Doctors - Tip #32-Major Depressive Disorder

A Major Depressive Disorder is a serious mood disorder that is characterized by a depressed mood and associated symptoms.  According to the DSM-IV-TR, to diagnose a Major Depressive Disorder correctly, the individual must present with at least five of nine symptoms.  In addition to having at least five of nine symptoms, the patient must present with Symptom 1 and/or Symptom 2.  An inspection of the DSM-IV-TR reveals that the nine symptoms are as follows: 
1. A depressed mood that is present most of the day and every day or nearly every day. 2. A markedly diminished interest or pleasure in all, or almost all, activities most of the day, every day or nearly every day. 3. A significant weight loss or weight gain while not dieting and/or a decrease or increase in appetite every day or nearly every day. 4. Insomnia or hypersomnia every day or nearly every day, which is a lack of restorative sleep or an overabundance of restorative sleep. 5. Psychomotor agitation or retardation, that is, excessive motor activity or a slowing of body movements, respectively, every day or nearly every day. 6. Fatigue or a loss of energy every day or nearly every day. 7. Feelings of worthlessness and/or excessive or inappropriate guilt every day or nearly every day. 8. Diminished ability to think or concentrate or indecisiveness, every day or nearly every day. 9. Recurrent thoughts of death, recurrent suicidal thoughts without a specific plan, or a suicidal attempt, or a specific plan for committing suicide. 

No comments:

Post a Comment