Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
Major depressive disorder affects approximately 21 million adults and 3.7 million adolescents in the United States each year. It is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide.
What Is Major Depressive Disorder?
MDD is more than occasional sadness — it is a serious medical condition that affects how you think, feel, and handle daily activities. To be diagnosed with MDD, symptoms must be present for at least two weeks and represent a change from previous functioning. Depression can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, or background.
In children and adolescents, depression may manifest differently than in adults. Rather than appearing sad, young people with depression may seem irritable, withdrawn, or may experience unexplained physical complaints like headaches or stomachaches.
Common Symptoms
Emotional Symptoms
- Persistent sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness
- Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
- Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
- Irritability (especially in children and teens)
Physical & Cognitive Symptoms
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Sleep disturbances (insomnia or oversleeping)
- Fatigue or loss of energy
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Psychomotor changes (agitation or slowing)
Our Approach to Treatment
Effective treatment for MDD often involves medication, and our practice specializes in finding the right medication strategy for each patient. First-line treatments typically include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), which have strong evidence of efficacy across age groups.
We carefully consider each patient's age, symptom profile, medical history, and potential side effects when selecting a medication. For children and adolescents, we follow FDA-approved treatment guidelines and monitor closely for treatment response. Regular follow-up visits allow us to track progress and make adjustments as needed.
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