Final Project Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 4

Final Project - Essay Example Research has shown that this disorder has been successfully treated with medication and therapy, especially for those suffering from unipolar depression, or single episode experience. For those with mixed or maniac episodes, an ongoing treatment would be necessary to stabilize their depressive moods. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fourth Edition) manual, published by the American Psychiatric Association (1994), and referred to as DSM-IV, described Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) as a serious mental disorder that profoundly disrupted the lives of those affected by the disorder. Major Depressive Disorder is classified in the DSM-IV as Axis II: Developmental Disorders and Personality Disorders. In this classification, those who fall under criteria A for a single episode of MDD, exhibited at least five of nine symptoms: 1) depressed mood of sadness or irritability; 2) gradual diminished interest or pleasure in social or personal activities; 3) significant weight loss or gain, or increased or decreased appetite; 4) insomnia or hypersomnia; 5) psychomotor agitation or retardation; 6) fatigue or loss of energy; 7) feelings of worthlessness or excessive or inappropriate guilt; 8) diminished ability to think or concentrate, or indecisiveness; and 9) recurrent thoughts of death, or suicidal thoughts. Research has shown that MDD can be caused by chemical imbalances in the brain, brought about by stress and personal loss, or by some traumatic experiences (AllPsych Online-The Virtual Psychology Classroom). MDD may also be developed through certain medical illnesses such as cancer, stroke, diabetes, and myocardial infarction (All About Depression). About 20% to 25% of those suffering from these illnesses were likely to develop this disorder. It was also found that other mental activities. He was absent in his club meetings at Mid-Ohio Raceway for the past two months. He exhibited loss of energy, when he stopped visiting his favorite