According to the National Institute of Mental Health depression "is a common but serious illness." The Mayo Clinic website MayoClinic.com indicates that clinical depression or a major depressive episode or MDE consists of more than an occasional feeling of sadness. Depression may affect how an individual thinks, feels and behaves. Often, the depressed person has significant problems functioning at home, school, with family or work and requires some form of treatment in order to realize improvement. Different symptoms make up a diagnosis of a MDE.
Sad Mood
The depressed person feels sad every day, almost all day for a period of at least two weeks. Other people close to her may notice a change in behavior, such as frequent frowning or crying. Some individuals experience irritability as well, becoming frustrated over even trivial matters.
Loss of Pleasure
Losing interest in pleasurable activities can compound feelings of a sad mood. Not only does the individual feel pervasively sad, but also activities they used to enjoy no longer have the same effect, adding to the feeling of depression. The depressed patient may also experience less of a sex drive.
Changes in Appetite
Dramatic changes in appetite may occur. In some cases, the depressed person loses her appetite and may begin losing weight. Weight loss of more than 5 percent in a month, without trying to, is cause for particular concern. Others may eat more, a way of coping with the sad feelings and other symptoms associated with depression.
Problems Sleeping
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders, published by the American Psychiatric Association, the most common sleep problem associated with a MDE is insomnia. The depressed person experiences problems falling asleep and/or staying asleep. In other cases, the depressed individual wants to sleep all of the time, taking frequent naps or refusing to get out of bed.
Slow Movements
Some depressed people experience a slowing down of movements, occurring almost every day. The problem must be severe enough that other people notice that the depressed person has slowed down. Conversely, some individuals experience a constant restlessness.
Excessive Guilt
The depressed person may feel excessively guilty about perceived failures or wrongs committed against others. The feelings of guilt may hold little connection to reality, in that the individual feels guilty over things he may have no control over, such as a friend losing his job or a child getting a bad grade in school.
Feelings of Worthlessness
Low self-esteem, a common occurrence for depressed people, may consist of the individual constantly putting himself down, an inability to accept compliments or having little faith in her ability to accomplish goals.
Concentration Problems
The depressed person may find it difficult to maintain concentration or to think. Even small decisions may become overwhelming quickly.
Complaints of Physical Problems
Frequent complaints of backaches, headaches or stomachaches may occur frequently for a depressed person. MayoClinic.com indicates that these problems may not have an explainable reason to why they occur. In other words, no physical cause may be determined.
Suicidal Thought
Thoughts of suicide, with or without a plan are a very serious symptom of depression. Individuals experiencing suicidal ideation should immediately seek an evaluation and treatment from a licensed mental health professional.
References
- "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition, Text Revision"; American Psychiatric Association; 2000
- MayoClinic.com: Depression (Major Depression
- National Institute of Mental Health: Depression
