Depression is a disorder affecting an individual's thoughts, feelings and behaviors. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, depression strikes many people but the condition unfortunately goes untreated a majority of the time. Depression not only affects the mind but the body, as well, and interferes with normal daily functioning, according to the Mayo Clinic. Several factors can determine whether an individual is depressed, including what symptoms are occurring, for how long and how they are affecting the person's life. The Mayo Clinic also says depression may require long-term treatment, and immediate medical help should be sought if any thoughts of suicide arise.
Criteria for Diagnosis
In order for health professionals to diagnose depression, they use the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders"--a tool that helps group the factors of a disorder and set a criteria for diagnosis. The DSM criteria helps tell apart the fleeting "blues" from clinical depression and furthermore classify depression into mild, moderate and severe. According to Mental Health Today, the DSM IV criteria for major depressive episode includes pervasive and persistent depressive symptoms lasting for or more than two weeks with a definite change from normal functioning.
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of depression can vary from person to person and include psychological as well as physical manifestations. Depression entails feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, sadness and persistent feelings of "emptiness," according to NIMH. An individual may be extremely pessimistic and feel as if "nothing will ever get better," as well as feeling powerless and helpless in dealing with any situation. Agitation and irritability over minuscule matters can occur and people may withdraw socially to isolate themselves as activities or other people do not interest them as before. Physical symptoms include constant fatigue, difficulty processing information, unexplainable aches and pains, appetite changes and sleep problems. The most dangerous risks of depression are recurring thoughts of suicide or suicidal attempts--people may feel ending their life solves the emotional pain brought on by this disorder. As stated in Mental Health Today, the DSM IV criteria states a minimum of five or more of these symptoms must occur simultaneously and fall within the time period of two or more weeks for a major depressive episode diagnosis.
Effects
Another sign of depression is when the array of symptoms cause significant effects and consequences to everyday life. Emotional, mental and physical characteristics of depression can disable an individual from performing necessary functions such as going to work or performing at school. This can lead to them failing out of school, losing their job, experiencing severe financial distress and overwhelming life changes that will only add negative effects and increase depression symptoms.
