Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), also known as clinical depression, is a common and serious medical illness that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. It affects how a person feels, thinks, and behaves, and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems. MDD is characterized by symptoms such as persistently low or depressed mood, anhedonia (decreased interest in pleasurable activities), changes in appetite, sleep problems, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, difficulty concentrating, and thoughts of death or suicide
. MDD is a chronic and recurrent illness, with a high recurrence rate after the first episode. It can also be associated with comorbid disorders such as substance use disorders, anxiety disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder, which can increase the risk of suicide. The condition is treatable, usually with a combination of medication and psychotherapy. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to recovery
