What it means
A common mood disorderMOOD dis-OR-derA mental health condition in which a person's mood is far lower or higher than usual for a long time.Full entry , often just called depression. Along with low mood or loss of pleasure, the person has several other symptoms nearly every day, such as changes in sleep and appetite, tiredness, slowed thinking, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, trouble concentrating and thoughts of death or suicide. It is treated with talk therapy, antidepressants or both.
For the nurse
Screen for suicide risk at every contact, and watch closely when antidepressants are started or the dose changes, since energy can return before mood improves. Teach that antidepressants take several weeks to work and should not be stopped suddenly.
At a glance
| Abbreviations | MDD |
|---|---|
| Spanish | trastorno depresivo mayor |
| Also written | MDD |
Related terms
antidepressant
A drug used to treat depression and often anxiety, which works by changing the levels of brain chemicals such as serotonin.
depression
A mood disorder of lasting sadness or loss of interest that affects thinking, sleep, appetite and daily life.
suicidal ideation
Thinking about, considering or planning suicide.
mood disorder
A mental health condition in which a person's mood is far lower or higher than usual for a long time.
hopelessness
A feeling that things will not get better and that nothing a person does can change that.