Major Depressive Disorder
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a debilitating disease that can seriously affect a person's health, wellbeing, and life. People with major depression experience extended periods of sadness, emptiness, and despair, and they are often unable to enjoy activities that they once found pleasurable. MDD can cause problems with a person’s diet, sleep, work life, and ability to connect with others.
Although many people use the word "depression" to describe this mood disorder, medical professionals prefer to use the term "major depressive disorder" or "major depression," both of which are more clinically precise, describing a specific medical condition, as opposed to a general group of behaviors. Learn more about the symptoms of MDD, treatments, and medications.
New research is showing that combining antidepressants with medications for other mood disorders can be effective in helping patients achieve a higher degree of remission.