Many people talk about feeling depressed after something hard happens in life. It can be:
- A breakup.
- Losing a job.
- Moving to a new place.
- The death of someone close.
Sometimes the low mood passes as things settle. Other times, the depression stays deep and long.
Two terms often come up.
- Situational depression.
- Major depressive disorder.
They sound similar. Yet they aren’t the same.
At Live Well Mentally, we work with children ages 7 and up.
All across Connecticut through secure telehealth. We see both types of depression regularly.
Here is a clear explanation of what each one means.
What Situational Depression Is
Situational depression is not actually an official diagnosis in the DSM-5. Clinicians usually call it adjustment disorder with depressed mood.
This condition starts after a clear stressful event or change. The stressor must be identifiable. It can be one event. It can be ongoing pressure.
Common examples include:
- Divorce.
- Job loss.
- Serious illness diagnosis.
- Financial problems.
- Relocation.
- Losing someone you love.
Signs and symptoms appear within 3 months of the stressor. The emotional reaction is stronger than what most people would expect in the same situation.
The symptoms cause real problems in daily life.
Symptoms:
- Depressed mood most days.
- Hopelessness.
- Frequent crying.
- Loss of interest in things all the things that you used to love.
Anxiety or irritability often shows up too. The focus stays on mood disturbance in this type.
The low mood usually improves after the stressor or its effects are removed, and according to the DSM-5, symptoms should not last more than 6 months after the stressor or its effects end.
What Major Depressive Disorder Is
A mood disorder can only be diagnosed if there is also a major depressive episode.
A major depressive episode, according to DSM-5, is an episode that includes a minimum of five of the symptoms listed. They must be present for a two-week duration.
Symptoms:
- A depressed mood every single day mostly.
- A loss of interest or pleasure in almost every activity.
- Attempted and significant weight loss or weight gain.
- Sleeping way too much.
- Restlessness or slowness that is atypical.
- Very low energy.
- Extreme guilt or a lack of self-worth.
- Concentration, thinking, or decision making difficulties.
- Suicidal thoughts.
These symptoms cause major distress. They interfere with work, school, social life or other areas.
Episodes can happen after a stressor. They can also start without any obvious trigger. Genetics. Brain chemistry changes. Chronic stress. Medical issues. All can play a role.
Major depressive disorder can be one singular episode. More frequently, it is recurrent. Without treatment it can last for months and even years.
Differences Between Them
Several points separate them clearly.
Timing. Adjustment disorder starts within three months of the stressor. Major depressive disorder episodes take two weeks, but can often take longer.
Duration. Symptoms of adjustment disorder usually develop within six months of the stressor stopping. MDD is actually likely to remain present or come back even with positively changing life circumstances.
Number and type of symptoms. Mood symptoms are less for adjustment disorder! Major depressive disorder includes five or more symptoms, which can also be physical, such as appetite, sleep, or movement.
Severity. There is more distress in adjustment disorder but is less intense. Major depressive disorder has greater impairment.
Diagnostic rule. Should someone fully meet the MDD criteria, regardless of the stressor, a MDD diagnosis is warranted and adjustment disorder is off the table.
Why The Difference Is So Important
The correct diagnosis helps us understand the problem. Adjustment disorder is a problem of adaptive response to new circumstances.
MDD is different.
Live Well Mentally conducts a comprehensive assessment. The practice is run by Theresa Antwi, MSN APRN PMHNP BC, who is a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner.
Get An Appointment
If depressive symptoms affect your daily life, reach out. Call Live Well Mentally at (860) 421-3200.
We serve Connecticut with convenient telehealth options.
FAQs
Can situational depression become major depressive disorder?
Yes. If symptoms continue past six months after the stressor ends.
Are the signs and symptoms completely different?
No. Both include low mood and loss of interest. Major depressive disorder usually has more symptoms, greater intensity and more physical signs.
Does adjustment disorder always go away when the problem ends?
Yes. Professional evaluation makes sure symptoms receive the right attention.
