What Is an Example of an Operational Definition of “depression”?

Question by Brice R: what is an example of an operational definition of “depression”?
In terms of psychology…..

Best answer:

Answer by Honoria
Operational Definition of the Concept of Depression:
DSM-IV-R Criteria for Major Depressive Disorder:

At least five of the following symptoms are present during the same period. At least (1) depressed mood or (2) loss of interest or pleasure must be present. Symptoms are present most of the day, nearly daily for at least 2 weeks.

(1) Depressed mood (sometimes irritability in children and adolescents) most of the day, nearly every day.
(2) Markedly diminished interest or pleasure in almost all activities most of the day, nearly every day (as indicated by either subjective account or observation by others of apathy most of the time
(3) Significant weight loss/gain.
(4) Insomnia/hypersomnia.
(5) Psychomotor agitation/retardation.
(6) Fatigue (loss of energy).
(7) Feelings of worthlessness (guilt).
(8) Impaired concentration (indecisiveness).
(9) Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide.

Potential Confounds in the Diagnosis and Treatment of depression, especially among the elderly (THESE MAY ALSO AFFECT THE MEASUREMENT OF DEPRESSION!):

Concurrent non-psychotropic medications may:

(1) Cause depression.
(2) Change antidepressant blood ;levels.
(3) Increase antidepressant side effects.
(4) Biochemically block antidepressant effects.
(5) Call for modifying oral dosage.

Concurrent medical illnesses may:

(1) Cause depression biologically.
(2) Reduce the efficacy of antidepressant medication or psychotherapy.
(3) Change antidepressant drug metabolism.
(4) Impair ability to participate in psychotherapy.
(5) Create disability contributing to both chronicity and reduced treatment efficacy.
(6) Increase the need for simplified medication dosing schedules (e.g., once, daily).

Concurrent non-mood psychiatric conditions may:

(1) Cause depression (e.g., early Alzheimer’s).
(2) Call for different medications.
(3) Impair participation in psychotherapy.
(4) Reduce response to antidepressant medications (e.g., personality disorders).
(5) Worsen prognosis of the depression (e.g., alcoholism).

Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!

TMS Relieves Symptoms in Teens With Resistant Depression
While at the University of Calgary in Alberta, Canada, Sarah Pradhan, a medical student at the Royal College of Surgeons in Dublin, Ireland, conducted a study on the effects of rTMS in the treatment of major depressive disorder in children. Speaking … Read more on Medscape

Could You Spot Someone With an Eating Disorder?
But Kathryn wasn't just a patient; she was one of seven volunteers sent by Glamour and the Alliance for Eating Disorders Awareness, an advocacy and education group in South Florida, to test how well primary care providers respond to eating disorder … Read more on Glamour

Man died after biting fingernails so much they bled and caused heart attack …
His fingernail biting was so extreme that doctors believe he became immune to the pain. An inquest heard he been treated for anxiety and depression in the years leading up to his death as his nail-biting habit intensified. He also suffered ill … Read more on Mirror.co.uk