HCM 201: Chapter Activity 5 Mental Illnesses Name Requiremen ✓ Solved

HCM 201: Chapter Activity 5 Mental Illnesses Name: Requirements

DISORDER Name of disorder and a brief description or definition.

SYMPTOMS Behaviors / Effects.

CAUSES Natural / Environmental / Biological / Hereditary, etc.

PREVALENCE Statistics / Population / Famous Individuals.

SIMILAR DIAGNOSIS The disorder may also be / Misdiagnosis.

TREATMENT OPTIONS Specific treatment options available.

DAILY CHALLENGES Patient Obstacles.

SOCIETY REACTIONS Stereotypes / Labels / Myths / Misconceptions.

PERSONAL THOUGHTS Thoughts inside your mind about this disorder / New learnings.

RESOURCES Provide links to your resources.

GRAMMAR/SPELLING/FORMATTING Proper grammar / Spelling / Format.

Paper For Above Instructions

DISORDER: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), commonly referred to as depression, is a severe mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), the key criteria for MDD include experiencing a depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day, and a marked decrease in pleasure derived from daily activities (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).

SYMPTOMS

Symptoms of MDD are myriad, and they can significantly impact an individual’s daily functioning. These symptoms may include, but are not limited to: feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt, insomnia or hypersomnia, fatigue or loss of energy, difficulty concentrating, indecisiveness, appetite changes, and recurrent thoughts of death or suicide (Nolen-Hoeksema, 2014). Each individual may experience symptoms differently, and the severity can vary widely.

CAUSES

The etiology of MDD is multifactorial, often arising from a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors. Genetic predispositions play a significant role, as individuals with a family history of depression are at a higher risk (Sullivan, Neale, & Kendler, 2000). Environmental factors, such as exposure to stress, trauma, or significant life changes, can trigger or worsen depressive episodes. Neurochemical imbalances, particularly concerning neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, are also implicated in the disorder's development (Brewin et al., 2010).

PREVALENCE

MDD is a prevalent mental health issue affecting millions worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (2021), an estimated 280 million people globally suffer from depression. The disorder is more common in women than men, with studies suggesting that women face a 1.5 to 3 times higher risk of developing MDD (Kuehner, 2017). Additionally, some notable individuals, including famous author J.K. Rowling and actor Jim Carrey, have openly shared their battles with depression, shedding light on the disorder's reach and impact.

SIMILAR DIAGNOSIS

MDD can be challenging to diagnose, as it may present with symptoms similar to other mental health disorders such as bipolar disorder or anxiety disorders. Misdiagnosis may occur if a practitioner fails to recognize the distinct characteristics that differentiate these conditions (Fava et al., 2018). For instance, while bipolar disorder includes manic episodes, MDD does not; an accurate diagnosis is critical for effective treatment.

TREATMENT OPTIONS

Various treatment options are available for individuals suffering from MDD, and these typically fall into two main categories: pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like fluoxetine and sertraline are commonly prescribed medications that can help alleviate depressive symptoms (Cipriani et al., 2018). Meanwhile, psychotherapy modalities, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT), have shown effectiveness in treating MDD and are often recommended, either alone or in combination with medications (Hollon et al., 2002).

DAILY CHALLENGES

Individuals with MDD often face various daily challenges that complicate their lives. Common obstacles include difficulty maintaining employment, interpersonal relationship problems, and issues related to self-care. Simple tasks such as getting out of bed, showering, or preparing meals can become monumental challenges (González et al., 2017). This impairment can lead to a cycle of negative reinforcement, worsening the individual’s depressive symptoms and sense of helplessness.

SOCIETY REACTIONS

PERSONAL THOUGHTS

Learning about MDD has expanded my understanding of mental illness and emphasized the importance of empathy and support for those affected. It is crucial to acknowledge that depression is a legitimate medical condition that deserves attention and care. The ongoing discussions and efforts surrounding mental health awareness are vital in reducing stigma and promoting understanding.

RESOURCES

References

  • American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.).
  • Brewin, C. R., et al. (2010). The role of neuroticism in the etiology of depression. Psychological Medicine, 40(8), 1463-1474.
  • Cipriani, A., et al. (2018). Comparative efficacy and acceptability of antidepressants for the treatment of depression in adults: a systematic review. The Lancet, 391(10128), 1357-1366.
  • Corrigan, P. W. (2004). How stigma interferes with mental health care. , 59(7), 614.
  • Fava, M., et al. (2018). Misdiagnosis of depression. Harvard Review of Psychiatry, 26(3), 149-159.
  • González, A., et al. (2017). Daily life experiences and activities of women with depression. International Journal of Women’s Health, 9, 793-804.
  • Hollon, S. D., et al. (2002). Treatment of depression: A comparison of cognitive therapy and pharmacotherapy. Psychological Science, 13(2), 149-154.
  • Kuehner, C. (2017). Why Do Women Suffer from Depression More Than Men? Findings from the Research Literature. The Lancet Psychiatry, 4(2), 146-158.
  • Nolen-Hoeksema, S. (2014). Gender differences in depression. Currents Directions in Psychological Science, 23(1), 3-9.
  • Sullivan, P. F., Neale, M. C., & Kendler, K. S. (2000). Genetic epidemiology of major depression: Review and meta-analysis. American Journal of Psychiatry, 157(3), 373-383.
  • World Health Organization. (2021). Depression. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/depression

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