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Depressive Disorders

Definition

Depressive disorders involve persistent feelings of sadness and worthlessness and a lack of desire to engage in formerly pleasurable activities.

Analogy

Imagine your life is like driving a car. Normally you can speed up when you want to go faster or slow down when necessary. But having depressive disorders is like trying to drive with flat tires - everything becomes slower, harder, with no motivation or energy to move forward.

Related terms

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): A mood disorder characterized by severe symptoms that interfere with one's ability to work, sleep, study eat and enjoy life.

Dysthymia (Persistent Depressive Disorder): A chronic form depression where individuals have less severe but long-term depressive symptoms that last for at least two years.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): This is depression associated with late autumn and winter and thought to be caused by a lack of light.