Moments of silence took my family by surprise when the doctor told us that I was dealing with a severe mental health condition. Honestly, I know I have not been myself lately, and that I am experiencing unusual symptoms all the time, but I was not expecting the doctor to confirm that I am now in a severe state of depression. Well, maybe, deep down, I was aware of it. But hearing the truth about my health condition and the level of care I need, according to DSM V Depression, feels overwhelming. I need to prioritize my mental health and engage in activities that can help me on this journey to recovery.
I was diagnosed with clinical depression. “The signs and depressive symptoms were there,” the doctor said. I was confused as to what specific signs and symptoms he was referring to. Did he assume it was because my family told him that I kept locking myself in my room all day? But what if I only want a space for myself and don’t feel like seeing anyone’s face? He did mention that my sudden behavior change is also a factor. Was he referring to my obvious breakdown? Was it because I felt like I was stuck with sadness and loneliness all the time? Honestly, I have no idea what the doctor was talking about and how he came up with the diagnosis.
Since I was too confused, I tried asking questions sarcastically. Not that I wanted to insult the medical professional, but I feel like I need to retaliate. That is where he said, “You have a psychological problem. You are too caught up with the emotional state that you got depressed.” I paused for a while then things started sinking in. There’s too much emotional pain that I can’t handle. There are rejection, disappointments, heartbreak, trust issues, bullying, self-image expectations, grief, and many in-betweens that are dragging me down to isolation.
After a couple of minutes of silence, I asked him again, “What’s your basis?”
Understanding This Criteria
The doctor seemed to know what he was talking about, so I decided to do some research about the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). It’s a diagnostic criteria manual used by clinicians and psychiatrists to understand and diagnose mental disorders. It contains criteria for classifying mental health issues and their diagnoses.
As I read through it, I realized that I fit into the criteria of major depressive disorder. I experienced a persistent sadness or lack of pleasure in activities that I used to enjoy. I had difficulty sleeping or concentrating, loss of appetite, and feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or hopelessness. These all fit with The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition’s criteria for major depressive disorder.
These criteria also gave me a sense of understanding and clarity. I finally had a diagnosis that I could wrap my head around. It gave me a name for the illness that I’ve been struggling with for so long. It made me realize that I’m not alone in my struggles and that others have gone through similar experiences.
It was a huge comfort to me, knowing that the criteria were there to help clinicians and psychiatrists get a better understanding of mental illnesses. It also had a comprehensive section on the treatments available for mental disorders such as mine. This was reassuring to me, knowing that I had options to help me manage my condition.
It gave me the guidance and understanding I needed to cope with my major depressive episode. It helped me understand my symptoms and gave me a path to follow to get the help and treatment I needed to decrease the symptoms. It provided me with the tools to take control of my mental health and start my journey to healing.
How I Try To Get Better
Now, I’m taking steps to get better. I’ve started going to therapy and seeing a psychiatrist. I’m also learning how to practice self-care and self-love. I’m learning how to recognize my triggers and how to cope with my emotions in healthy ways.
I’m still learning how to manage my disorder, but this manual gave me the starting point I needed to get help. It has given me the courage to take the first steps on my journey to recovery. I’m grateful for the support that it has given me and I’m looking forward to continuing my journey toward a healthier, happier life.
I’m also very fortunate to have a great support system of family and friends. They’ve been with me every step of the way, providing me with unconditional love, understanding, and support. They’ve been my pillars of strength and I don’t know where I would be without them.
I’m not ashamed to talk about my mental health anymore and I’m determined to keep fighting. I know that recovery will be a long journey, but I’m taking it one day at a time. I’m determined to make the most of my life and to find joy and happiness in the little things. I know that I have the strength to overcome this, make the most of my life, and live it to the fullest.
How Does The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition Define MDD?
Their definition of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), as defined by the American Psychiatric Association, relates to the individual’s experience of five or more symptoms of the mental health problem during the same 2-week period. It includes how the person feels, thinks, and behaves. At least one of the symptoms present must be a loss of interest or pleasure in things that were once enjoyed, or there is a persistently depressed and unregulated mood nearly every day.
This information made me feel a little relieved but also sad at the same time. I had always believed that my lack of interest in engaging with people or the things I once enjoyed was simply a matter of choice. However, I am still not entirely convinced by this, but I am slowly beginning to understand my mental state.
What Are The Four Types Of MDD?
The four common types of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) that people (children, adolescents, and adults) know are Major, Postpartum, Psychotic, and Situational Depression.
I got the significant one.
What Is The Difference Between The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 4th Edition And 5th Edition?
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders is an organization and psychiatric assessment of biopsychosocial information using a multi-axial formulation such as Clinical Syndromes, General Medical Conditions, Personality Disorders, Mental Retardation, Psychosocial and Environmental Problems, and Global Assessment of Functioning. An example is that patients only need to experience at least one symptom to be diagnosed with substance abuse to be included in the list. Meanwhile, in the fifth edition, patients must have two or more symptoms diagnosed with substance use disorder.
I guess, in my case, I’ve got two.
What Are The Criteria For Bipolar Disorder According To The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders?
In the fifth edition’s criteria for bipolar disorder, a person should fall into the category of experiencing at least one episode of mania or hypomania. The consideration of focus includes the expansive, elevated, or irritable mood that usually lasts for at least one week and is uncontrollable and present during most of the day and goes nearly every day. During a manic episode, patients experience a slight need for sleep, grandiosity, an inflated sense of self, talking loudly and rapidly, and feeling pressured to speak.
This is quite convincing because all those specific symptoms mentioned were present when I was not in myself. Perhaps the doctor was right about my medical condition from the very beginning, as per the diagnostic criteria outlined by the psychiatric association, including the presence of a depressed mood and a lack of interest or pleasure.
What Are The Five Categories According To The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder?
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition is organized in sequence within individual diagnostic categories that can potentially become a developmental lifetime issue. It includes disorders typically diagnosed in childhood, adolescent stage, adulthood, and later life. The five DSM categories include Axis 1 with Clinical Syndromes, Axis 2 with Personality Disorders and Mental Retardation, Axis 3 with General Medical Conditions, Axis 4 with Psychosocial and Environmental Problems Axis 5 with Global Assessment of Functioning.
How Do I Know If I’m Bipolar?
You might know if you had Bipolar disorder when you experienced extreme changes in your mood. Usually, it goes from high to low and from low to high. Highs refer to moods under mania stages, while lows are moods under the limelight of major depressive disorder. In some instances, the changes in your mood may even become mixed. Therefore, you might also feel ecstatic and depressed at the same time.
What Happens In The Brain During The Struggle Of Major Depressive Disorder?
This disorder contributes to the negative result of having too little serotonin but too much cortisol in the brain. The influx of triggered increased cortisol levels causes the amygdala or the brain associated with emotional responses to enlarge. So when it becomes larger and more active, it causes hormonal imbalance, changes in activity levels, and sleep disturbances. Overall, it can entirely change a person’s ability to think, react, and behave. It impairs attention and memory and contributes to the difficulty of information processing and decision-making skills.
Is Major Depressive Disorder Classified As A Disability?
Yes. Under the ADA or Americans with Disabilities Act, it is considered a psychiatric disability. It’s a considerable mood disorder that is known to interfere with people’s daily life activities. These include their ability to work, go to school, manage and care for themselves, and socialize with others. In some unfortunate cases, the disorder sometimes becomes so severe that individuals can no longer find their purpose in life.
Is The Diagnostic And Statistical Manual Of Mental Disorders, IV Still Used?
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders is now in its 5th edition. However, the Fourth Edition, or DSM-IV is the official manual of the APA or American Psychiatric Association. Its purpose is to present a structure for categorizing disorders and defining the diagnostic standard for the disorders listed.
What Is Axis V In Mental Health?
Axis V in mental health refers to assessing overall functioning, known as the GAF (Global Assessment of Functioning). These include psychological, social, and occupational functioning. Typically, the scale is used to rate how serious a mental illness could be and how much individuals affect their day-to-day lives on a scale of 0 to 100.
Why Is The Diagnostic And Statistical Manual Of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition criticized?
It is often criticized due to main interrelated reasons. One is the unhealthy influence of the drugs or pharmaceutical industry on the amendment process. It has something to do with an increasing tendency to medicalize patterns of mood and behavior that are not considered to be, for the most part, extreme or not debilitating at all. Another issue is the validity and reliability needed for the productive use of diagnostic categories despite a compromised utility to clinicians.
What Are The Four Types Of Bipolar?
The four categories of bipolar, according to the American Psychiatric Association (APA), include bipolar I disorder, which involves times of difficult mood episodes from mania to major depressive disorder. Then bipolar II disorder or the milder form of mood dysfunction, involves milder events of hypomania. Then there is a cyclothymic disorder with emotional ups and downs and bipolar disorder due to another medical or substance abuse disorder.
Can Bipolar People Tell They Are Bipolar?
Honestly, no. Usually, individuals with bipolar disorder do not know they have it and don’t realize its existence. They are unaware of their medical condition, even if they are in the manic phase. In some instances, other people with bipolar disorder have more severe and frequent episodes than others, which can be very difficult to determine. Thus, after the manic episode is over, people often feel shocked about their unwanted behavior.
Is Bipolar 1 Or 2 Worse?
Bipolar I disorder is the most critical form of the condition because it involves severe mood dysfunctions from mania to major depressive disorder. On the other hand, Bipolar II disorder is a milder form of mood elevation accompanied by occasional hypomanic episodes. But even though Hypomanic episodes are milder than manic episodes, they can still cause emotional, mental, and physical malfunctions.
What Are The Diagnostic And Statistical Manual Of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition Codes?
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition codes include relational problems, housing, economic problems, educational and occupational problems, crime and legal systems, and social environment. It also involves other health service encounters, and circumstances of personal and other psychosocial, personal, and environmental history.
What Is The Diagnostic And Statistical Manual Of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition Code For Major Depressive Disorder?
What Are Depressive Disorders Now Included In The Diagnostic And Statistical Manual Of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition?
How Many Categories Of Major Depressive Disorder Does The Diagnostic And Statistical Manual Of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition Recognize?
What Is The Difference Between MDD And PDD In The Diagnostic And Statistical Manual Of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition?
What Is Major Depressive Disorder With Atypical Features In The Diagnostic And Statistical Manual Of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition?
Takeaway
I guess I am more inclined to know a lot about mental health now that I am experiencing one. Honestly, it is not that easy to accept it, but I know I can get over this denial feeling eventually. Because once I finally understand all the necessary information about this severe depression I have, I might be able to push myself toward a healthy recovery.