Understanding Depression and Major Depressive Disorder: A Comprehensive Overview
In the realm of mental health, depression and its clinical counterpart, Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), stand as significant challenges affecting millions worldwide. Recognizing their impact, the field of psychiatry has evolved significantly, influenced by key figures and diagnostic tools aimed at understanding and treating these conditions. Historical Context and the Father of Psychiatry The study of depression traces back through centuries, with notable contributions from Hippocrates, often regarded as the "father of psychiatry," who first documented melancholia, a condition resembling what we now recognize as depression. Hippocrates laid foundational concepts that continue to shape modern psychiatric understanding. Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and its Diagnostic Criteria According to the ICD-10 (International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision), Major Depressive Disorder is characterized by the presence of depressive episodes, marked by low mood, loss of inter...