Major Depressive Disorder

Major Depressive Disorder

Major Depressive Disorder

Major depressive disorder (MDD) — also known as clinical depression, unipolar depression, recurrent depression, or simply depression — is a mental disorder characterized by the presence of a severely low mood of no clear cause that persists for at least two weeks and which pervades across most, if not all, aspects of life.

While it can be hard to hope in recovery during a severe depressive episode, great strides have been made in helping people feel better thanks to thoughtful treatment plans and more understanding of the disorder. When in a depressive episode, it is wise to wait until one is in a better state of mind before making important, life-changing decisions.

Prevalence

The onset of MDD can occur in children and adolescents and in younger and older adults. MDD most commonly occurs between 20 and 40 years of age, and women are twice as likely as men to be diagnosed with it. Lifetime rates of MDD are higher in the developed world (15%) compared to the developing world (11%). According to the Global Burden of Disease study, MDD causes the second-most years lived with a disability, after lower back pain.