The Difference Between Depression and Major Depressive Disorder
Disease description:
After giving birth, my wife has been quite irritable every day and tends to cry easily. I looked it up online and found it might be depression, but after examination, the doctor diagnosed it as depression. So I'd like to ask, what's the difference between depression and depressive disorder?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Ziqi
The main differences between depression and depressive disorder are as follows:
1. **Nature and Duration**: Depression typically refers to a temporary emotional state that may be triggered by specific life events and often resolves on its own within a short period (usually no more than two weeks). Depressive disorder, however, is characterized by a persistent low mood lasting typically longer than two weeks, and may even continue for months or longer.
2. **Symptom Presentation**: Depressive mood may manifest as low mood and loss of interest, but generally does not severely affect daily life. In contrast, symptoms of depressive disorder are more severe and include persistent sadness, loss of interest, fatigue, insomnia, and changes in appetite. These symptoms significantly impair the individual's daily functioning and work performance.
3. **Need for Treatment**: Depressive mood can often be relieved through self-regulation or seeking psychological support, whereas depressive disorder requires professional medical intervention, including medication and psychotherapy.
