Major depressive disorder (MDD)
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- Major depressive disorder (MDD)
Major Depressive Disorder is characterised by a prolonged period (at least two consecutive weeks) of low mood for most of the day, accompanied by low energy levels, low or loss of interest in almost all activities, a sense of worthlessness or even guilt, low or loss of enjoyment, psychomotor changes, sleep disturbances and recurrent thoughts of death. The symptoms can have varied degrees of severity and cause significant levels of distress or impairment in different areas of functioning.
MDD is one of the most frequent causes of disability worldwide, ranking as the third leading cause of global burden of disease in 2004 and predicted to jump to the first place by 2030. Despite this, a significant number of cases remains under-recognised, not adequately treated or does not respond to medications, although effective and well-established treatments are now available for depression.
