A reader from Landmark, SC asks: My husband's primary care physician told him he has "minor depression." I understand what major depression is, but what is minor depression? Johns Hopkins answers.
Minor depression is not a formal psychiatric diagnosis. That being said, the term may indicate several possibilities. Minor depression may be used to describe a depressive episode that does not meet the formal diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder.
Major depressive disorder consists of at least one episode of major depression, which by definition must entail at least five out of nine of the following signs and symptoms for a minimum of two weeks: depressed mood, diminished interest in all, guilty feelings, low energy, poor concentration, sleep disturbances, appetite disturbances, psychomotor agitation or retardation, and suicidality.
In addition, to qualify as a major depressive episode, one of the five criteria must be depressed mood. Lastly, there must be impairment of functioning in social or occupational spheres. If all of these criteria are not met, a patient might be described as having a "minor depression."
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Minor depression might also be used to classify an episode of depression in which the signs and symptoms are present but not very severe. For example, your husband may have mild symptoms of sleep, appetite, and concentration disturbance that result in taking longer to complete tasks at work. However, if he is still able to get his work done in a reasonable amount of time and the other aspects of depression are mild, it would be difficult to give a diagnosis of major depressive disorder.
Minor depression could also be meant to describe dysthymia, which consists of a depressed mood for more days than not over a two-year time period. In addition, the individual should have two additional symptoms of depression, such as hopelessness, poor self esteem, and sleep, appetite, or concentration disturbance, to receive a diagnosis of dysthymia.
In summary, mild depression is not a formal diagnosis, but may include a subthreshold major depressive episode or chronic depressive symptoms. Depending on the particulars of the case, psychotherapy and possibly pharmacotherapy may be beneficial. Evaluation by a psychiatrist would be helpful in guiding your husband's treatment.
