Depressive Disorder
| Definition: |
An affective disorder manifested by either a dysphoric mood or loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities. The mood disturbance is prominent and relatively persistent. |
| Notes: |
do not confuse with DEPRESSION: see note there; depression lasting over 2 years = DYSTHYMIC DISORDER |
| Also Called: |
Melancholia,Unipolar Depression,Depression, Endogenous,Depressive Syndrome,Depression, Neurotic |
| Previously Indexed: |
Adjustment Disorders (1966-1980),Depression (1966-1980) |
Depressive Disorder Categories.
 |
Depression, Involutional - Marked depression appearing in the involution period and characterized by hallucinations, delusions, paranoia, and agitation. |
|
Dysthymic Disorder - Chronically depressed mood that occurs for most of the day more days than not for at least 2 years. The required minimum duration in children to make this diagnosis is 1 year. During periods of depressed mood, at least 2 of the following additional symptoms are present: poor appetite or overeating, insomnia or hypersomnia, low energy or fatigue, low self esteem, poor concentration or difficulty making decisions, and feelings of hopelessness. (DSM-IV) |
|
Seasonal Affective Disorder - A syndrome characterized by depressions that recur annually at the same time each year, usually during the winter months. Other symptoms include anxiety, irritability, decreased energy, increased appetite (carbohydrate cravings), increased duration of sleep, and weight gain. SAD (seasonal affective disorder) can be treated by daily exposure to bright artificial lights (PHOTOTHERAPY), during the season of recurrence. |
Depressive Disorder Definitions and Terms
MedicalGlossary.org is designed as a free, browsable resource for all. The medical terms and definitions are not intended to replace medical informaion provided by licensed healthcare professionals. Please see a doctor if you need medical assistance. Don't see the medical term you were researching? Send us an e-mail from our "about us" page. We will do our best to research and classify new medical terms in a timely manner. Our current list of medical terms is over 26,000. Data sources include the U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2004 Medical Subject Headings.
|
