major depressive disorder
Write a term paper that contains five full pages describing major depressive disorder from a biopsychosocial perspective.
Describe the disorder in terms of symptoms, describe biological, psychological, and social causes of the disorder and include information about treatment.
Symptoms may be described in terms of emotional symptoms, cognitive symptoms, behavioral symptoms, somatic symptoms, and impairment in social and occupational functioning.
Biological explanations may include the following: Brain structure and function, genetics, hormones, evolution/natural selection, neurotransmitters (oversupply, under supply, dysfunction)
Psychological explanations may include the following: Learning, memory, personality traits, cognition (thought patterns), trauma/stress, emotion/mood
Sociocultural explanations may include the following: Gender roles, socioeconomic status, locations (city or rural), school/education, cultural values, poverty
Treatment may include medications, cognitive therapy, behavioral therapy, group therapy, client centered therapy
Sample Solution
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a serious mental health condition characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness and hopelessness that can last for weeks or months at a time. Other symptoms may include changes in appetite, sleep disturbances, fatigue, difficulty concentrating and loss of interest in activities once enjoyed (American Psychiatric Association 2013).
Biologically speaking, depression can be caused by an imbalance of neurotransmitters such as serotonin or dopamine within the brain which affects mood regulation (Ebrahim et al., 2017). Psychologically speaking, depression is often linked to unresolved trauma or difficulties managing emotions like anger or grief. Additionally research has indicated that low self-esteem and poor body image are risk factors associated with MDD (Egan & Inman 2018). Socially speaking, individuals living with MDD may feel isolated from friends and family due to their struggles with communication or because they lack support (Kaufmann & Sullivan 2020).
Treatment options vary depending on individual circumstances but often involve psychotherapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy which helps patients learn how to manage difficult thoughts and behaviors. Additionally medications like antidepressants can help regulate chemistry levels while antipsychotics might be used to reduce episodes of severe depression. Lastly lifestyle changes such as regular exercise have been shown effective for some people suffering from this condition (Walker et al., 2015).
In conclusion, Major Depressive Disorder is a complex condition that affects each person differently. It’s causes range from neurological abnormality to environmental stressors therefore it’s important for those seeking treatment to take into account any underlying issues before deciding on a plan of action. With supportive care structures combined with therapeutic methods like cognitive behavioral therapy along with medications when necessary there is potential for those affected by this disease to lead fulfilling lives despite their illness.
