Overview

In Depressive Disorders Part 1, it was pointed out that according to the World Health Organization, mood disorders involving depression are now the leading cause of disability and poor health worldwide, affecting more than 300 million people on Planet Earth, which nearly equals the population of the continental United States. In addition, nearly half of those diagnosed with depression are also diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.

Mood disorders impact all genders, races, ages, economic groups, and backgrounds and are a leading trigger for divorces. More females are diagnosed with depressive disorders than are males. This may represent real data, or it may occur because females are more likely to seek medical attention, while fewer males tend to seek help for depressive disorders—thinking it shameful or unmasculine. Even when they do seek help, the symptoms males exhibit may be misdiagnosed because male-female symptoms of depression differ. Estimates are that it takes 10 years and 3 different health professionals to properly diagnose major depressive disorder in males.

Anhedonia, an inability to experience pleasure in activities a person normally enjoys, may lead to the perception that life is not worth living, including a sense of helplessness and hopelessness. There is some speculation that sleep deprivation may be a contributor to anhedonia. A study published in npj Digital Medicine pointed out that in addition to getting sufficient sleep for the brain and having regular bedtime and wake-up times is also important. Irregular sleep schedules can disrupt circadian rhythms and may cause or exacerbate existing mental health problems. 

In Depressive Disorders part 1, Information about four types was presented:

1. Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder
2. Major Depression Disorder (Single Episode)
3. Major Depression Disorder (Recurrent Episodes)
4. Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia) 

Depressive Disorders Part 2 presents information on four additional types, one each day for four days:

1. Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
2. Substance Induced Depressive Disorder
3. Depressive Disorder Due to Medical Condition
4. Unspecified Depressive Disorder

On the fifth day, the Team reviews each of the anxiety disorders. This can help to fix the information in your memory and reaffirm the strategies for dealing with each type. Typically, the average adult needs to review information three or four times to move it from short-term memory into long-term memory and then be able to recall it. 

This concludes the Overview for Depressive Disorders, Part 2