Chronic major depression can be diagnosed as a form of Major Depressive Disorder. This specifier applies to the current or most recent Major Depressive Episode in Major Depressive Disorder and to a Major Depressive Episode in Bipolar I or Bipolar II Disorder only if it is the most recent type of mood episode.
The full criteria for a Major Depressive Episode have been met continuously for at least the past 2 years in order for the “Chronic specifier” to be used.
What's Related
- Brain Imaging: A Technological Breakthough in the Assessment of Pain
- Facts about Depression
- Top 10 Signs of Depression
- Symptoms of Recurrent Major Depressive Disorder
- Dysthymia: Chronic Depression
- How to Help Someone Suffering from a Chronic Illness
- Coping with Chronic Illness
- What are the Risk Factors for Depression?
- Alcohol and Depression
- Why Alcohol and Depression Don’t Mix
- Other articles by American Psychiatric Association
Last reviewed:
On November 13, 2006
By John M. Grohol, Psy.D.
