Patient Education: Major Depressive Disorder

What is Major Depressive Disorder?

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), also called depression, is a serious medical condition that affects the way a person feels, thinks, and acts. It is more than just feeling sad for a few days. Depression lasts for weeks or longer and makes daily life very hard.

Causes of Major Depressive Disorder

Doctors do not know one single cause, but several factors can play a role:

• Brain chemistry – Changes in brain chemicals that affect mood.
  
  

• Genetics – Depression can run in families.
  
  

• Medical problems – Long-term illness or pain may increase risk.
  
  

• Stressful life events – Loss of a loved one, abuse, or major changes in life.
  
  

• Drug or alcohol use – These can worsen depression.
  
  

Signs and Symptoms

• Feeling sad, empty, or hopeless most of the day
  
  

• Losing interest in activities once enjoyed
  
  

• Sleeping too much or too little
  
  

• Changes in appetite (eating too much or not enough)
  
  

• Feeling tired or having no energy
  
  

• Trouble thinking, focusing, or making decisions
  
  

• Feeling worthless or guilty
  
  

• Thoughts of death or suicide (emergency warning sign)
  
  

Possible Complications if Not Treated

• Problems at school, work, or in relationships
  
  

• Alcohol or drug abuse
  
  

• Poor physical health
  
  

• Suicidal thoughts or attempts
  
  

Treatment Options

Treatment can greatly improve symptoms and quality of life:

• Medicines – Antidepressants help balance brain chemicals.
  
  

• Therapy – Talking with a counselor can help change negative thoughts and improve coping.
  
  

• Healthy habits – Exercise, good sleep, and healthy eating support recovery.
  
  

• Support system – Family, friends, or support groups provide encouragement.
  
  

In-Home Care / What You Can Do

• Take medicine exactly as ordered – Do not stop without the doctor’s advice.
  
  

• Stay on a routine – Go to bed and wake up at the same times, eat regular meals.
  
  

• Stay active – Light exercise like walking can help.
  
  

• Avoid alcohol and drugs – They make symptoms worse.
  
  

• Write or talk about feelings – Journaling or speaking with a trusted person can help.
  
  

• Keep follow-up appointments with doctors or nurses.
  
  

Medication Safety and Lab Tests

• Some antidepressants may require blood tests to check safety.
  
  

• Report side effects such as stomach upset, dizziness, or unusual thoughts to your doctor or nurse.
  
  

• Never skip or double up on medicine without advice.
  
  

When to Call the Home Health Nurse

Call the nurse if:

• Symptoms are getting worse
  
  

• You are not sleeping or eating normally
  
  

• You have side effects from medicine
  
  

• You are too tired or unmotivated to do daily tasks
  
  

When to Call 911 or Go to the Emergency Room

Go right away if:

• You have thoughts of hurting yourself or others
  
  

• You have a plan or attempt to act on suicidal thoughts
  
  

• You cannot take care of yourself (not eating, drinking, or sleeping at all)
  
  

• You are confused, very agitated, or unsafe
  
  

True/False Questions

Write True or False before each number:

1. ___ Major depressive disorder is more than just feeling sad for a few days.
   
   

2. ___ Brain chemistry changes may play a role in depression.
   
   

3. ___ Only people with a family history can develop depression.
   
   

4. ___ Sleeping too much or too little can be a symptom of depression.
   
   

5. ___ Depression can cause a person to lose interest in activities they once enjoyed.
   
   

6. ___ Alcohol and drug use can make depression worse.
   
   

7. ___ Depression cannot affect a person’s physical health.
   
   

8. ___ Thoughts of death or suicide are an emergency warning sign.
   
   

9. ___ Therapy and antidepressant medicines are common treatments.
   
   

10. ___ Exercise and healthy eating may help improve depression symptoms.
    
    

11. ___ It is okay to stop antidepressant medication suddenly if you feel better.
    
    

12. ___ Support from family and friends can help recovery.
    
    

13. ___ Without treatment, depression can lead to problems at work or school.
    
    

14. ___ Some depression medicines may require blood tests.
    
    

15. ___ Skipping or doubling medicine doses without advice is safe.
    
    

16. ___ A person should call their home health nurse if their depression symptoms are getting worse.
    
    

17. ___ Writing feelings down or talking with someone trusted may help.
    
    

18. ___ If you have suicidal thoughts, you should wait to see if they go away on their own.
    
    

19. ___ Depression can be managed with treatment and support.
    
    

20. ___ Going to the ER is needed if a person is unsafe or has suicidal plans.
    
    

Individualized Patient Questions

1. What are two symptoms you have noticed that may be related to depression?
   
   

2. Who could you call if you began to have suicidal thoughts?
   
   

3. What is one healthy habit you can start at home to help your mood?
   
   

4. How do your family or caregivers support you when you are feeling down?
   
   

5. What does “taking your medicine regularly” mean to you?
   
   

Answer Key with Explanations

1. True – Depression lasts longer and is more severe than sadness.
   
   

2. True – Brain chemical changes can cause or worsen depression.
   
   

3. False – Anyone can develop depression, even without family history.
   
   

4. True – Sleep changes are a symptom.
   
   

5. True – Loss of interest is common.
   
   

6. True – Alcohol/drugs make depression worse.
   
   

7. False – Depression can harm physical health too.
   
   

8. True – Suicidal thoughts are always an emergency.
   
   

9. True – Therapy and medication are standard care.
   
   

10. True – Lifestyle habits can help mood.
    
    

11. False – Never stop medicine without doctor’s advice.
    
    

12. True – Support is very important.
    
    

13. True – Depression affects school, work, and relationships.
    
    

14. True – Some antidepressants need lab monitoring.
    
    

15. False – Skipping or doubling doses is unsafe.
    
    

16. True – Call the nurse if symptoms worsen.
    
    

17. True – Writing or talking helps process feelings.
    
    

18. False – Suicidal thoughts require immediate emergency help.
    
    

19. True – With treatment, depression can be managed.
    
    

20. True – Unsafe thoughts or suicidal plans require ER care.