T13 – 1.7 Differentiating MDD from Normative Sadness and Loss

Differentiating MDD from Normative Sadness and Loss

• Responses to a significant loss (e.g., bereavement, serious medical illness or injury, unemployment) may mimic symptoms of MDD.

• It is important to carefully take into consideration a plethora of contextual information to determine whether a major depressive episode is present, such as:
  • The individual’s history.
  • Cultural norms.
  • The duration of the symptoms.
  • The level of distress the symptoms cause.
  • The level of impairment the symptoms cause.