Depression, Major Depression, and Depressive Disorders CEUs

Depression, Major Depression, and Depressive Disorders CEUs
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© 2009 by Aspira Continuing Education. All rights reserved. No part of this material
may be transmitted or reproduced in any form, or by any means, mechanical or
electronic without written permission of Aspira Continuing Education.
Course Objectives: This course is designed to help you:
1. Identify and diagnose Depressive Disorder
2. Become familiar with the historical framework concerning the inclusion
of Depressive Disorder in contemporary mental health and the DSM
3. Identify Depressive Disorder symptoms and related behaviors
4. Become familiar with common causes
5. Learn and apply widely accepted theoretical treatment approaches such
as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
6. Access relevant resources
Table of Contents:
1. Definition and Types
2. History
3. Symptoms and the DSM-IV-TR
4. Causes
5. Treatment
6. Resources
7. References
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1. Definition and Types
Depressive disorders and symptoms may vary and can include:
o Major depressive episode
o Atypical depression, a cyclical sub-type of major depression
where sleep, feeding and perception of pleasure are normal but
there is a feeling of lethargy
o Melancholic depression a sub-type of major depression
characterized by an inability to feel pleasure combined with
physical agitation, insomnia, or decreased appetite
o Psychotic depression, a sub-type of major depression combined
with psychotic or delusional perceptions
o Depressive Disorder Not Otherwise Specified
 Depression (mood)
 Postpartum depression, a depressive episode occurring within a year
of childbirth
 Dysthymic disorder , a long-term low-grade depressive condition
 Adjustment disorder with depressed mood, previously known as
"reactive depression"
 Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a depressed mood related to the
seasons
 Depression is the fourth stage of the Kübler-Ross model (commonly
known as the "stages of dying")
(American Psychiatric Association (2000a). Diagnostic and statistical
manual of mental disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision: DSM-IV-TR.
Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Publishing, Inc.)
Major depressive disorder is also known as clinical depression or major
depression. It is a diagnosis contained in the Diagnostic and Statistical
Manual of Mental Disorders by the American Psychiatric Association.
Major depression is a serious illness that affects a person's relationships,
family, work or school life, sleeping and eating habits, social activities, and
general health. Those who suffer from a major depressive episode usually
exhibit a very low mood pervading all aspects of life and an inability to
experience pleasure in previously enjoyable activities. Other symptoms may
include the preoccupation with, or ruminating over, thoughts and feelings of
worthlessness, inappropriate guilt or regret, helplessness, hopelessness, and
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self hatred. Other symptoms include poor concentration and memory,
withdrawal from social situations and activities, reduced sex drive, and
thoughts of death or suicide. Insomnia is common: in the typical pattern, a
person wakes very early and is unable to get back to sleep. Hypersomnia, or
oversleeping, is less common. Appetite often decreases, with resulting
weight loss, although increased appetite and weight gain occasionally occur.
The person may report multiple physical symptoms such as fatigue,
headaches, or digestive problems; physical complaints are the most common
presenting problem in developing countries according to the World Health
Organization's criteria of depression. Family and friends may notice that the
person's behavior is either agitated or lethargic. Older depressed persons
may have cognitive symptoms of recent onset, such as forgetfulness, and a
more noticeable slowing of movements. In severe cases, depressed people
may have symptoms of psychosis such as delusions or, less commonly,
hallucinations, usually of an unpleasant nature (American Psychiatric
Association, 2000a. Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders,
Fourth Edition, Text Revision: DSM-IV-TR. Washington, DC: American
Psychiatric Publishing, Inc).