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Major Depressive Disorder
🚨 Symptoms
Depressed mood most of day, anhedonia, weight changes, sleep disturbances, fatigue, worthlessness/guilt, poor concentration, thoughts of death
🔍 Causes
Genetic, neurochemical (serotonin, norepinephrine), psychological factors, life events, medical conditions, medications
💊 Treatment
Antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs, etc.), psychotherapy (CBT, interpersonal therapy), ECT for severe cases, lifestyle modifications, social support
📝 Nursing Care
Assess suicide risk, promote medication adherence, provide emotional support, teach coping strategies, monitor for side effects
Source: NHS Scotland. For educational purposes only.