Depression Symptom - How to Recognize Depression
Written by:
Petros Skapinakis, MD, MPH, PhD, lecturer of Psychiatry in the University of Ioannina Medical School, Greece.
Eva Gerasi, postgraduate student in the Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital of Ioannina, Greece.
First version: 22 Jul 2008.
Latest revision:
30 Jul 2008.
Abstract:
A depressive episode may be diagnosed if 5 or more symptoms out of the list presented in the text below, last most of the day for a period of 2 weeks or longer.
Question:
I have been feeling quite miserable/unhappy/distressed for a long time now. Do I have depression?
What are typical depression symptoms?
Answer:
If someone has the following symptoms maybe they have depression as an illness and they do not simply feel sad or low:
-
Pervasive low mood and tearfulness, unresponsive to and out of keeping with current circumstances.
-
Other mood tensions including tension, irritability and anxiety.
-
Insomnia (typically waking early)
-
Reduction in appetite, weight loss and constipation
-
Lack of energy and tiredness/lack of stamina
-
Loss of libido
-
Loss of concentration/forgetfulness
-
Feelings of low self-esteem, guilt and helplessness
-
Thoughts of suicide
A depressive episode is diagnosed if 5 or more of these symptoms last most of the day, nearly every day, for a period of 2 weeks or longer.
More Information
Disclaimer: The documents
contained in this web site are presented for information
purposes only. The material is in no way intended
to replace professional medical care or attention
by a qualified psychiatrist or psychotherapist. It can not and should
not be used as a basis
for diagnosis or choice of treatment.
If you find anything wrong, please notify us at
.
Copyright 2003-2008 Web4Health