Depressive Disorders WisdomCard™

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Depressive disorders are mood disorders that include major depressive disorder, dysthymic disorder, SAD, psychotic depression, and postpartum depression.¹ Depressive disorders are characterized by low mood,² low self-esteem, and loss of interest in normal activities. Outside of clinical circles, depressive disorders are generally referred to as depression.³ Major depressive disorder -- which is also called clinical depression, major depression, unipolar depression, or unipolar disorder -- is characterized by moderate to severe episodes of depression. On the other hand, dysthymic disorder -- also called dysthymia or chronic depression -- has episodes of mild to moderate symptoms such as low self-esteem or feelings of hopelessness.³

Fast Facts:

• An estimated 17 million Americans are affected by depressive disorders each year.³
• Major depressive disorder affects twice as many women as men.⁴
• 75% of people with dysthymia have other psychiatric or medical disorders.⁵
• For someone to be diagnosed with a major depressive episode they must have experienced at least five of nine symptoms identified by the American Psyhciatric Association. These symptoms must occur for two or more weeks.⁴

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