Major Depressive Disorder

Running Head: MDD 0
MAJOR DEPRESSIVE
DISORDER
MARCH 4, 2020

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Contents
Introduction............................................................................................................... 2
Task one................................................................................................................ 2
Diagnostic criteria................................................................................................. 3
Treatment........................................................................................................... 3
Task 2................................................................................................................... 4
Task 3................................................................................................................... 5
Task 4................................................................................................................... 6
Nursing interventions............................................................................................. 7
Conclusion................................................................................................................ 9
References.............................................................................................................. 10

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Introduction
Sadness is the natural feeling that human experiences in their life. Individuals feel
sadness when their family member passes away or when they are facing a challenging issue
like divorce, or severe health problem. However, sadness is short term, when it is persistent
and develop an intense feeling of sadness, they may have a major depressive disorder.
Depression is recognized as the mood disorder that triggers a persistent feeling of sadness and
the loss of interest in things that were interesting previously (Kupfer et al., 2016). It is also
called depression or clinical depression. It impacts how an individual feel, think and behave.
It can result in a range of emotional and physical issues, the patient may have trouble
performing daily life activities, and sometime he or she might feel as if life is not worth
living. A major depressive disorder is considered as one of the usual mental disorders in the
United States (Otte et al., 2016). It has been reported that around 13.1 per cent of the total
population of America over the age of 18 have at least one episode of Major Depressive
Disorder (MDD) in 2015 (Bogardus, 2017). Particularly in New Zealand around 14.3 per cent
of adults were diagnosed with depression at some point in their life. Rates of affected women
were higher compared to men as 17.9 per cent of females had this mental health issue.
According to a report published by health loss in New Zealand anxiety, a depressive disorder
is identified as the second leading cause of health loss in New Zealand (Atlas et al., 2017). In
this particular paper the etiology, diagnostic criteria symptoms, and treatment will be
discussed. Potential impacts, principles, recent strategy, and nursing interventions will also be
mentioned in this paper.
Task one
The cause of the major depressive disorder is believed to be a collection of hereditary,
environmental and psychological aspects. Neurotransmitters are naturally occurring
chemicals in the brain that mostly play a key role in the development of depression. Changes

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in the normal functioning and effects o these chemical agents and how they communicate
with the neurocircuits take part in maintaining mood stability can cause depression.
Hormonal imbalances are also associated with MDD. Depression is more common in
individuals whose family members also have this health issue. It can also be triggered by
alcohol or drug abuse, a different medical condition like cancer or hypothyroidism, and
specific types of medication such as steroids (Soares, 2017).
Diagnostic criteria
To be diagnosed with major depressive disorder one must have more than 5
symptoms during the same 2-week period that are changed from the previous functioning.
The patient may feel depressed mood most of the days, and almost every day. The patient
feels a lack of interest in all the activities throughout the day and almost every day and
observed by others. Loss of weight or obesity is another major symptom of this mental health
issue which might be caused by reduced or increased appetite. The affected person may
develop insomnia, fatigue, feeling worthless which endures throughout the day and almost
every day (Fakhoury, 2018). Reduced concentration and suicidal thoughts can also be
observed as the diagnosed symptoms of MDD (Kendler & Gardner, 2016).
Treatment
MDD is commonly treated with drugs and psychotherapy. By applying some lifestyle
changes one can also ease the symptoms of this disorder. Primary care providers commonly
start the treatment with antidepressant drugs such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.
These antidepressants work by inhibiting the serotine breakdown in the patient's brain,
leading to an increased amount of these particular neurotransmitters. Tricyclic
antidepressants are used when other prescribed drugs failed to achieve health goals (Pérez et
al., 2017). Psychotherapy can also be effective for people with MDD such as cognitive
behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy. Some of the lifestyle changes can also help the