According to Medline Plus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, depression consists of more than just a transitory blue mood. Associated symptoms of depression may persist and significantly interfere in an individual’s ability to function day-to-day. Medline Plus indicates that about 20 million people in the United States suffer from a diagnosable level of depression. The Mayo Clinic states that a diagnosis of depression is considered when an individual meets certain diagnostic symptom criteria.
Sad Mood
Dr. Aaron Beck and Brad Alford, a psychologist, write in “Depression: Causes and Treatment” that most people experience periods of sad moods. With depression, Beck and Alford note that the sad mood becomes exaggerated beyond the normal experience and that some individuals report it as a distinct feeling. The “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders” indicates that in order to meet the diagnostic criteria for depression, the individual must feel depressed every day, nearly all day, for a period of at least two weeks. This sad mood may be observable by others.
Loss of Pleasure
Some individuals with depression do not experience the pervasive sad mood as described above. “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders" explains that a diagnosis may be given if the individual experiences anhedonia or a loss of pleasure in activities in lieu of a persistent sad mood. In many cases, however, individuals suffering from depression experience both symptoms. The Mayo Clinic indicates that the diminished interest or complete lack of pleasure occurs nearly every day, for most or all activities.
Sleep and Energy Problems
Disturbances in sleep often occur as a symptom of depression. “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders" indicates that insomnia, problems falling asleep and staying asleep, consists of the most common form of sleep disturbance found with depression. Conversely, the National Institute of Mental Health points out that the depressed individual may desire to sleep all the time or hypersomnia. Energy problems may occur as a result of the sleep disturbance or as a separate symptom of depression. According to “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders", constant fatigue may occur or a loss of energy and motivation nearly every day. The fatigue may persist even after obtaining a good night’s rest.
Body Changes
Changes in appetite and weight are symptoms of depression, according to the Mayo Clinic. The individual may experience a significant decrease in appetite, resulting in weight loss when not dieting. “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders” identifies a weight loss of at least 5 percent of body weight in a month as a sign of depression. In other instances, individuals experience increased appetite.
The “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders” indicates that some individuals with depression exhibit signs of psychomotor retardation, a visible slowing of body movements or agitation, whereas others may move about as if constantly restless.
Problem Thoughts
Another symptom of depression, according to “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders”, consists of a diminished ability to maintain concentration or thought nearly every day. This also may manifest as problems with decision making. The National Institute of Mental Health notes that the depressed individual may experience a feeling of worthlessness or inappropriate and excessive feelings of guilt.
Suicidal Ideation
Persistent thoughts of death and denying, a very serious symptom of depression, may be a persistent experience for a depressed individual, according to the “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders”. The problem may consist of thoughts of suicide to developing plans for a suicide attempt. Individuals experiencing this symptom should immediately seek assistance from a licensed health professional.
Bereavement
At times feeling depressed would be considered a normal reaction to a difficult life event, such as the death of a loved one or the loss of a job. In these situations, according to the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders", a diagnosis of a major depressive disorder would not be given unless symptoms persist after a period of two months after the difficult life event.
References
- “Depression: Causes and Treatment, 2nd Edition”; Aaron T. Beck, M.D. and Brad A. Alford, Ph.D.; 2009
- “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition, Text Revision”; American Psychiatric Association; 2000
- MayoClinic.com: Depression (Major Depression): Tests and Diagnosis
- Medline Plus: Depression
- National Institute of Mental Health
