what is the difference between minor and major depression ?

Question

Is there a difference between minor depression and major depression ?

Answer 1

Minor is not a dx: Currently only major depression is a diagnosis. Minor depression is a carry-over from dsm2 when major depression was called psychotic and minor neurotic depression. Some people now call chronic low level depression minor but it is more appropriately called dysthymia. Read my chapter: what's my diagnosis, does it matter and who cares" in psychiatry in techno colors on amazon.Com.

Answer 2

Depression: Major depression is clinical depression, minor depression is an old term for milder form of depression called dysthymia.

Answer 3

Possibly: A better question is can it be successfully treated? One would have to live a lifetime to say they were permanently cured of depression. I believe there is always a risk of relapse. Common wisdom is one depression leads to a 50% chance of another, two a 75% chance and three a 90% chance for more depression. I have seen almost every other possibility in my 40 years of practice.

Answer 4

Controlled not cured: Like most illnesses--diabetes thyroid disease hypertension the symptoms are controlled not cured.

Answer 5

Depression: Phases of treatment are; acute phase, maintenance phase, recovery phase. Depressed person can remain in the recovery phase for years without relapse, as long as they continue therapy.

Answer 6

Yes: If the depression is the first one ever and caused by a bad situation and there is little family history of depression, there is a good chance that full recovery is possible with good treatment and resolution of the stress.

Answer 7

Sometimes: In the case of a first episode, about 50% of patients will never have another episode. Unfortunately, the second episode means a risk of 75% that you will have another episode, and the risk goes up from there.

Answer 8

There are options: Both psychotherapy and medications have bee shown to be helpful for people with major depressive disorder. The combination of both medication and therapy is even better for most people. Other treatments include ect. Newer treatments are being studied. The vast majority of people with this illness get better with treatment. Some people can get better without formal treatment.

Answer 9

Depression remedies: Include exercising, engaging in social interaction & engrossing activities, practicing gratitude, doing kind things for others, learning and practicing stress management, developing and committing to meaningful goals, avoiding negative thinking & negative comparisons with others, and talking to empathic & trusted people. If those aren't enough, talk to a mental health professional.

Answer 10

Major Depression: Psychotherapy, both individual & group, as well as medication management.

Answer 11

A thin line: I would be concerned if you are depressed, period! please get in to see your pcp, mental health professional or qualified person to help you deal with either one. This can be treated and you can feel better. Don't delay! go for help now.

Answer 12

Severity/functioning: Depressed mood is a normal part of life. It becomes a disorder when it lasts abnormally long (far outlives the depressing life event or circumstances) or when it becomes so severe that it affects your level of functioning (work, relationships) or affects your health (can't sleep, low energy, etc.) see a doctor and discuss what you're going through to get an accurate diagnosis.

Answer 13

Functioning is key: If the mood is affecting you ability to function as a member of your family or at work, then it may be clinical depression. Another way to distinguish the 2 is - if nothing, no good event or news improves your mood even transiently, it may be a sign of clinical depression.

Answer 14

Different severity: Depression is a mood disorder that can interfere with the pleasure of life experiences. Clinical depression is a more severe form which interferes with a person's ability to function properly in life activities.

Answer 15

Clinical depression: Clinical depression is a mood disorder characterized by changes in mood, interest, sleep, energy, and concentration.

Answer 16

Biological Problem: The term "clinical depression" is usually understood to mean a set of symptoms that are thought to be related to changes or problems in brain chemistry. Therefore, clinical or major depression is largely considered to be a physical or biological problem. However, it is clear that environmental factors can either worsen or improve depressive symptoms.

Answer 17

Mental disorder: Problems in psychiatry are "disorders" not "diseases" because we don't yet know the exact mechanisms that cause them. Clinical (or major) depression is a sustained low mood accompanied by other features, typically impaired sleep, appetite, concentration, sex drive, energy, and/or lack of joy/pleasure. Guilt & suicidal ideas can occur too. It's "clinical" when several of these occur together.

what is the difference between minor and major depression ?

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