SIGNS
& SYMPTOMS
The
mood of somebody experiencing a major depressive episode
is commonly described as "depressed, sad, blue, hopeless,
discourage, blah, or down in the dumps." There are a myriad
of other signs and symptoms of depression. In addition to
a blue or depressed mood or loss of interest in activities,
other symptoms of depression include:
1.
An inability to concentrate
2.
A loss of energy
3. A loss of interest or pleasure in ordinary activities
(including sex)
4. A decreased (or increased) appetite that may lead to
weight loss (or weight gain)
5. Changes in sleep (e.g., sleeping much more, waking up
early, experiencing insomnia)
6. Feelings of excessive guilt, despair, and / or hopelessness
7. Difficulty remembering things
8. Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide
9. Irritability
Signs
of depression may include: a slowing down of movements,
suicidal attempts, chronic aches and pains that won't respond
to treatment and the cause of which can't be found, fatigue.
In
addition to seeing a physician, there are a number or questionnaires
that may be helpful in diagnosing depression. The Hamilton
and Zung
are two well known self-administered questionnaires that
have been shown to fairly accurately determine if somebody
has depression. There is no substitute for speaking with
a doctor, however, if you believe you or a loved one is
suffering from this disease.
The
formal diagnostic criteria are described in the DSM-IV.
