Originally Posted by
JohnBurke
It would be unreasonable to suggest that such a significant number were actually diagnosed with depression; assertion that 8.1% experienced depression in a short term period would be a statistical guess. This is important in context as one does not report such a diagnosis, if it hasn't been made. One may feel bummed out, which is not the same as depression; a diagnosis of depression is another matter.
Didn’t say DIAGNOSED, they MET THE CRITERIA FOR DIAGNOSIS. Which may in fact mean that the criteria are far too lenient but these criteria are determined by the DSM which is determined by the OPINIONS of the American Psychiatric Association as put forward in the DSM, currently the DSM fifth edition. It involves little actual research other than collecting opinions from members, but basically has damn near acquired the status of law. The current criteria for depression in DSM-5 is:
Major Depressive Disorder
The specific DSM-5 criteria for major depressive disorder are outlined below.
At least 5 of the following symptoms have to have been present during the same 2-week period (and at least 1 of the symptoms must be diminished interest/pleasure or depressed mood) [2] :
Depressed mood: For children and adolescents, this can also be an irritable mood
Diminished interest or loss of pleasure in almost all activities (anhedonia)
Significant weight change or appetite disturbance: For children, this can be failure to achieve expected weight gain
Sleep disturbance (insomnia or hypersomnia)
Psychomotor agitation or retardation
Fatigue or loss of energy
Feelings of worthlessness
Diminished ability to think or concentrate; indecisiveness
Recurrent thoughts of death, recurrent suicidal ideation without a specific plan, or a suicide attempt or specific plan for committing suicide
The symptoms cause significant distress or impairment in social, occupational or other important areas of functioning.
The symptoms are not attributable to the physiological effects of a substance (e.g., a drug of abuse, a medication) or another medical condition.
The disturbance is not better explained by a persistent schizoaffective disorder, schizophrenia, delusional disorder, or other specified or unspecified schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders
There has never been a manic episode or a hypomanic episode
Depressive disorders can be rated as mild, moderate, or severe. The disorder can also occur with psychotic symptoms, which can be mood congruent or incongruent. Depressive disorders can be determined to be in full or partial remission
The criteria has evolved over time to where damn near anybody with a hangover will meet criteria. It’s a real money maker for shrinks and SSRI drug manufacturers. We used to call it “life” earlier in our cultural history.