|
|
Major Depression: Coexisting Conditions and
Diagnosis
Major Depression: Coexisting Conditions
Major
depression has a high rate of coexistence with other disorders (termed
comorbidity) including panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder,
generalizing anxiety disorder, agoraphobia, social phobia and substance abuse.
Studies have concluded that marital conflict is frequently an excellent
predictor of major depression, with some clinicians recommending marital therapy
as the treatment choice for patients presenting with major depression associated
with the marital discord. In the elderly, physical illness is highly correlated
with major depression. Several other types of physical conditions associated
with major depression include pharmacological (steroid
use,
amphetamine/cocaine/alcohol/sedative withdrawal), endocrine (hypothyroidism and
hyperthyroidism, diabetes, Cushing's disease), infectious (general paresis,
influenza, hepatitis, AIDS), or neurological (multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's
disease, head trauma, cerebrovascular disorder). Also, major depression has
been found to be highly correlated with personality disorders, although it is
frequently difficult to make a diagnosis of personality disorder until the major
depression has been alleviated.
Diagnosis
of Major Depression:
In
addition to a diagnosis of major depression, there are several DSM-IV
psychological disorders of related interest. Dysthymic disorder is a milder form
of depression in which symptoms are of a lower intensity for a longer period of
time. In order to make a diagnosis of dysthymia, symptoms must persist on most
days for a period of at least two years. Major depression may also be
superimposed on dysthymia, resulting in a diagnosis of what has been referred to
as "double depression". Double depression refers to the existence of dysthymia
and a coexisting episode of major depression. Atypical depression refers to a
form of depression characterized by mood reactivity in which the mood responds
to pleasurable events, individuals may have significant weight gains or
increases in appetite, hypersomnia, heavy feelings in arms and legs and/or
sensitivity to rejection.
Major
depression may also come in the form of bipolar I disorder, which refers to the
presence of at least one manic episode at some time in the past, and the
presence of one or more depressive episodes. At least one manic episode is
absolutely required for a bipolar I disorder diagnosis. A manic episode is
characterized by an elevated mood, rapid speech, flight of ideas, high level of
distractibility, increased goal-directed activity or psychomotor agitation,
grandiosity, decreased need for sleep, and/or engagement in pleasurable but
obviously risky behaviors. Bipolar II disorder is similar to bipolar I disorder
except that a past or present hypomanic (milder form of mania) episode is
required. Finally, cyclothymic disorder consist of frequent but less severe
symptoms of hypomania and depression.
Major
depression has been called by the eminent psychologist Martin Seligman, the
common cold of the psychological disorders.
Information adapted from
Leahy and Holland’s
Treatment Plans and Interventions for depression and
Anxiety Disorders
By Paul Susic MA Licensed
Psychologist Ph.D. Candidate
|
|
Mental Health
Diagnosis - DSM-IV
Diagnosis and Codes: Alphabetical Order and Depression
Medications: |
|
|
|
|
Major Depression Help Online at Amazon.Com |
|
|
|
|
