Name of the Procedure:

DSM-5 Criteria for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD, MDD ADOL)

Summary

The DSM-5 criteria for Major Depressive Disorder is a diagnostic evaluation used by healthcare providers to identify symptoms of depression based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). This assessment is typically conducted during an initial evaluation.

Purpose

This evaluation is used to diagnose major depressive disorder in patients. The goal is to identify and understand the severity of depressive symptoms to devise an effective treatment plan to alleviate these symptoms and improve the patient's quality of life.

Indications

• Persistent feelings of sadness or emptiness.
• Loss of interest or pleasure in most activities.
• Significant weight loss or gain, or changes in appetite.
• Insomnia or excessive sleeping.
• Fatigue or loss of energy.
• Feelings of worthlessness or inappropriate guilt.
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions.
• Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide. The evaluation is particularly indicated if these symptoms persist nearly every day for at least two weeks and cause significant distress or impairment in daily functioning.

Preparation

• Patients may be asked to complete a questionnaire or rating scale related to depression symptoms.
• There are no specific pre-procedure instructions such as fasting or medication adjustments required for this evaluation.

Procedure Description

1. The healthcare provider conducts a structured or semi-structured interview based on DSM-5 criteria.
2. Patients may be asked detailed questions about their mood, behavior, daily activities, physical health, and any co-occurring symptoms.
3. The provider will assess the duration, severity, and impact of symptoms on the patient's life.
4. Standardized rating scales and questionnaires might be used to support the evaluation process.

Duration

The evaluation typically takes about 30 to 60 minutes.

Setting

This evaluation is performed in a clinical setting, such as a primary care office, psychiatry clinic, or outpatient mental health center.

Personnel

• Normally, the evaluation is conducted by a licensed mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or trained primary care provider.
• Support staff may be involved to assist with the administration of questionnaires or rating scales.

Risks and Complications

There are minimal risks associated with a diagnostic evaluation. However, discussing depressive symptoms may cause emotional discomfort or distress in some patients. Providers are trained to manage such situations and provide necessary support.

Benefits

• Accurate diagnosis of major depressive disorder.
• Development of a personalized treatment plan tailored to the patient's needs, which may include psychotherapy, medication, or other interventions.
• Early identification and intervention can lead to better management and improvement of depressive symptoms.

Recovery

• No physical recovery is necessary as this is a non-invasive evaluation.
• Patients may receive immediate feedback and recommendations for follow-up treatment.
• Regular follow-up appointments may be scheduled to monitor progress and adjust treatment as necessary.

Alternatives

• Alternative assessment tools or criteria (e.g., ICD-10) may be used.
• Direct referral to a psychiatrist for further evaluation. Pros and Cons: DSM-5 criteria are widely used and standardized, providing a consistent method for diagnosis. Other tools may differ in specificity or sensitivity, and direct psychiatric evaluation may offer more comprehensive insights.

Patient Experience

Patients might experience varying emotions during the evaluation, including relief from discussing their symptoms or distress when recounting difficult experiences. Healthcare providers will offer support and strategies to manage any discomfort experienced during the evaluation.