Core diagnostic features of Major Depressive Disorder What are the core diagnostic features for MDD? (Hint: the mnemonic SIG: E CAPS may help.) There must be a pervasive and persistent depressive mood (or irritable mood in children and adolescents) and/or loss of interest/pleasure (anhedonia) for ≥2 weeks and ≥4 of the following symptoms (recalled with …
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What is the average length of a major depressive episode What is the diagnostic minimum and average length of a major depressive episode? For the diagnosis of major depressive disorder (MDD) the episode must be at least 2 weeks long. On average, depressive episodes are 30 weeks long. In severe cases, symptoms may be treated …
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Why should antidepressants not be used in isolation (without a mood stabilizer) for bipolar depression? Unchecked, antidepressants may precipitate a manic episode in susceptible patients (i.e., patients with an underlying bipolar disorder). This is one reason close follow-up of patients starting an SSRI for a first depressive episode is important.
First line therapy Antidepressants What class of antidepressant is generally considered as the first line therapy? The SSRIs, because they are generally effective (but not necessarily more effective than other options) and generally better tolerated than other options, are considered first-line therapy for a number of psychiatric disorders including major depressive disorder, affect disorders, anxiety …
What are the major indications for antidepressants? Under the label of “antidepressants” falls a broad range of medications with diverse mechanisms of action and clinical utility beyond simply the treatment of depression. Here is the table which lists some of major indications for antidepressants. Possible Indications for Antidepressants Major depressive disorder and other unipolar depressive …
What is depression? Depression can affect people of all ages and is different for every person. A person who has this disease can’t control his or her feelings. If you or your child, teen, or older relative is depressed, it’s not his or her fault. When doctors talk about depression, they mean the medical illness …