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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:
31 Jul 2008.
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When do we say someone is having a depressive episode?
Answer:
Signs and symptoms of depression (or a depressive episode) include:
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Lasting sad, anxious, or empty mood
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Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
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Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
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Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed, including sex
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Decreased energy, a feeling of fatigue or of being "slowed down"
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Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions
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Restlessness or irritability
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Sleeping too much, or can't sleep
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Change in appetite and/or unintended weight loss or gain
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Chronic pain or other persistent bodily symptoms that are not caused by physical illness or injury
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Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts
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.
Bipolar (Manic-Depressive) Disorder
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