
Overview
MDD is a common but serious mood disorder. It causes severe symptoms that affect how you feel, think, and manage day-to-day activities, such as sleeping, eating, and working.

Symptoms
Persistent feelings of sadness or loss of interest.
Changes in sleep, appetite, energy level, concentration, daily behavior, and self-esteem.

Causes
Serious medical illness, life changes such as a move or the death of a loved one, sadness and loneliness, past physical, sexual, or emotional abuse, certain medications, moving, losing a job or a source of income, getting divorced, or retiring, and social isolation.

Diagnosis
Medical history of patients and family, psychiatric evaluation, etc.

Prevention
Avoiding stress, exercise, healthy diet, proper sleep, etc.

Treatment
Medications and psychotherapy are effective for most people with depression, along with counseling.

Everyday Life
If untreated, the patient may become suicidal. There is an increased risk of major psychiatric disorders.




