major depressive episode
nounUK /ˈmeɪ.dʒə dɪˈpres.ɪv ˈep.ɪ.səʊd/
US /ˈmeɪ.dʒɚ dɪˈpres.ɪv ˈep.ə.soʊd/
A time when someone feels very, very sad and loses interest in things for weeks.
The doctor explained that her major depressive episode made it hard for her to get out of bed each morning.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A formally diagnosed period of at least two weeks with depressed mood or loss of interest plus other symptoms.
The psychiatrist documented a major depressive episode in the patient's chart.
3. A distinct phase of illness in bipolar disorder marked by deep sadness.
His major depressive episode followed a period of unusually high energy.
4. In casual use, any stretch of intense unhappiness that disrupts daily life.
After the loss, she described it as a major depressive episode that lasted months.