Print: Depression Symptom - How to Recognize Depression

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 version: 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

Information on depression Diagnosis depression Effect on body rhythms The effect of depression on thinking and behaviour Effects of depression on daily routine Why patients may not mention their depression Physical symptoms of depression Triggers starting a depression Depression with reversed biological symptoms More articles about depression More articles about the treatment of depression

Sources, references: http://web4health.info/en/answers/source/bipolar-dia-depr.htm



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