Depressive disorder (also known as depression) is a common mental disorder. It involves a depressed mood or loss of pleasure or interest in activities for long periods of time. Depression is different from regular mood changes and feelings about everyday life.

Understanding the Context

Major depressive disorder (MDD), also known as clinical depression, is a mental disorder [14] characterized by at least two weeks of pervasive low mood, low self-esteem, and loss of interest or pleasure in normally enjoyable activities. Values are numbers of patients (%) or the mean ± SD. ACE = angiotensin-converting enzyme; ARB = angiotensin II receptor blocker; CRT-D = cardiac resynchronization therapy with defibrillator; ICD = ... Also called major depressive disorder or clinical depression, it affects how you feel, think and behave and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems.

Key Insights

You may have trouble doing normal day-to-day activities, and sometimes you may feel as if life isn't worth living. There are several types of depressive disorders. Clinical depression, or major depressive disorder, is often just called “depression.” It’s the most severe type of depression. Without treatment, depression can get worse and last longer. In severe cases, it can lead to self-harm or death by suicide.

Final Thoughts

Depression (also called major depression, major depressive disorder, or clinical depression) is different. It can cause severe symptoms that affect how a person feels, thinks, and handles daily activities, such as sleeping, eating, or working. Depression (major depressive disorder) is a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think and how you act. Fortunately, it is also treatable. Depression is more than a feeling of being sad or irritable for a few days. It's a serious mood disorder.

As one of the most common mental disorders in the United States, depression can affect how you think, feel, and your everyday life.