Diagnosing Major Depression and Dysthymia

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM), which is the accepted authority on mental disorders, has specified certain criteria for diagnosing depression.

The criteria specified in the DSM for diagnosing major depressive disorder are the following:

Depressed mood, or feeling sad,
Uninterested in most or all activities that used to be pleasurable,
Significant change in eating patterns, either eating too much or too little,
Sleep disturbances, either sleeping too much or not being able to get to sleep and stay sleep,
Moving too slowly or being agitated, as observed by others,
Fatigue or having low energy,
Feelings of worthlessness,
Lack of ability to concentrate or make decisions,
Recurring thoughts of death.

In order to have a diagnosis of major depressive episode, the DSM requires that five or more of the above-mentioned criteria be present during a 2-week period, and at least one of the symptoms must be either depressed mood or loss of interest in activities. Those with major depressive disorder experience a drastic disturbance in their daily activities. In fact, many who suffer from major depression have trouble even getting out of bed, and may suffer in their jobs and relationships as a result of this disorder.

Dysthymia is a form of mild depression and the diagnosis for dysthymic disorder is also set out in the DSM. In order to receive a diagnosis of dysthymic disorder, the DSM specifies that a depressed mood must have been present for most of the day for at least 2 years. It also specifies that while the individual is depressed at least two of the following must be present: poor appetite or overeating, sleep disturbance, fatigue, low self-esteem, poor concentration, and feelings of hopelessness.

A diagnosis of dysthymic disorder is not made if the individual has had any kind of severe episode, whether mania or major depression. Dysthymia is more like chronic depression of a mild form that never seems to go away, at least for very long.

If you suffer from either of these mood disorders, you will want to get more information about how to cure depression. There are a number of treatment alternatives available today, and you can find one that works for you.

To find out more, download this Free Special Report, How to Cure Depression Naturally

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