What is Major Depressive Disorder? Is Major Depressive Disorder a Disability?

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a mental health disorder. It is included in the category of Depressive Disorders. It is a commonly occurring mental disorder. This is a disorder having symptoms like loss of interest, sadness, difficulty concentrating and persistent sadness. All these symptoms appear in the daily life events of individuals. When an individual is having MDD, a common question arises in mind: “Is major depressive disorder a disability”?

To make the symptoms of major depressive disorder clear in your mind, we will discuss about in this article.

Diagnostic Criteria of Major Depressive Disorder MDD:

Major depressive disorder MDD is categorized in Depressive Disorders. According to the Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM 5 the diagnostic criteria of MDD are:

Diagnostic Criteria A.

For the diagnosis of MDD, five or more symptoms must be present in an individual. These symptoms must be present for at least a period of two weeks. The presence of MDD can cause a change in daily life functioning.

These symptoms can be either (1) depressed mood or (2) loss of interest.

Note: You cannot attribute symptoms that are due to another medical condition to its diagnosis.

1. Individuals have a depressed mood every day, for nearly most of the entire day. Individuals feel hopelessness, sadness and emptiness. Individuals, most of the time, appear tearful to others. In adolescents and children, this can be noticed as an irritable mood.
2. Individuals have a lack of interest in all activities. Others around the individual also notice this lack of interest. An individual also feels a lack of interest in the daily routine.
3. Individuals have significant weight loss. This weight loss or weight gain is not due to dieting or any physical activity. A considerable weight change of 5% is noticed in a month. The individual has a loss of appetite every day.    
4. An individual may have a lack of sleep, insomnia, or hypersomnia every day.
5. An individual can also have retardation and psychomotor agitation. The individual feels retardation and psychomotor agitation every day. These retardation and psychomotor agitation are subjective feelings.  These are not subjective feelings.  
6. Individuals feel a lack of energy or fatigue every day.
7. An individual can feel inappropriate guilt. This feeling of worthlessness and guilt is excessive and delusional. Individuals feel guilt and worthlessness every day. 
8. Individuals have a lack of concentration. Individuals also have a lack of decision-making ability. The lack of decision-making and the lack of interest are subjective feelings. This lack of interest and lack of decision-making is also observed by others.
9. Individuals sometimes have recurrent suicidal thoughts. Suicidal thoughts are without a specific plan. Individuals do not make a particular suicide plan. They do not attempt suicide.

Diagnostic Criteria B.

The symptoms mentioned above cause significant impairment in life. The impairment is in the occupational, social and personal life of the individual.

Diagnostic Criteria C.

Above mentioned symptoms of major depressive disorder are not due to the use of any physical substance. These symptoms are not due to any other medical condition.

Diagnostic Criteria D.

There is no manic or hypomanic episode observed in the individual.

How Major Depressive Disorder Impacts the Ability to Work?

You have observed that major depressive disorder affects the daily functioning of the individual. MDD can affect an individual’s ability to work. According to case studies and reports, major depressive disorder interferes with:

1. Concentration:

MDD causes an inability to focus and concentrate. Lack of concentration makes it difficult to complete tasks on time.

2. Job Duties:

Individuals have a lack of concentration and struggle to meet expectations. Job duties are affected due to fatigue, lack of motivation and lack of energy.

3. Indecisiveness:

In major depressive disorder, individuals have a lack of concentration. This may lead to a lack of problem-solving ability and reduce the cognitive functions of an individual.

4. Reduce Productivity:

A depressed mind and, lack of motivation can affect the ability to adaptation. This can reduce the work productivity of the individual.

The symptoms of major depressive disorders can cause professionals difficulties for individuals working in demanding roles. These mental challenges can make it impossible for an individual to sustain.

Major Depressive Disorders and Other Mental Health Conditions:

Major depressive disorder has the symptoms of sadness and lack of concentration. MDD is a mental health disability that has symptoms related to other mental disorders.

• Anxiety Disorder

Anxiety disorders have symptoms that overlap with major depressive disorders. Anxiety also involves tension, restlessness and excessive worry. While often co-occurring with MDD, anxiety primarily involves excessive worry, restlessness, and stress. Both can be disabling depending on severity.

• Depressive, Bipolar, and Related Disorders

Bipolar disorder involves mania and depression episodes. Major depressive disorder persistent depressive mood, but without manic episodes.

• Other Medical Conditions

People with major depressive episodes have some physical illnesses. These chronic physical illnesses impair daily activities and daily activities.

What are the Treatments for Major Depressive Disorder?

There are many effective treatments for depression with significant outcomes.

Common treatments for depression can include:

1. Psychotherapy

CBT, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and BT Behavioral Therapy are used to treat. These therapies are helpful to restructure negative thoughts.

2. Medication

Sometimes medication is also required to treat major depressive disorder. Some antidepressants, like selective serotonin inhibitors, are prescribed.

3. Lifestyle Adjustments

Lifestyle adjustment routine is also necessary to treat MDD. Sometimes a balance diet, regular exercise, and good sleep help to improve.

4. Support Systems

Support systems like family and peer groups play an important role in mental well-being. A support system can enhance early recovery.

Proper treatment for major depressive disorders can reduce the chances of MDD. A correct care and support system can allow for on-time recovery. Appropriate treatment can help an individual recover and perform daily life activities.

Daily Life Challenges with MDD

Major depressive disorder affects daily life functioning. It can affect the routine life of an individual.  Common effects of major depressive disorders are:

• Lack of interest and reduced participation in social activities.
• Struggle in maintaining hygiene and nutrition
• Difficulty in maintaining a relationship
• Lack of decision-making
• Fatigue and loss of energy
• Difficulty in performing daily life activities

These symptoms can significantly affect daily life activities. These can affect the professional and personal life of an individual.