Trauma Survivors Network - provided by ATS

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Signs and Symptoms

The following outline lists common symptoms of a major depressive episode. The number of symptoms experienced varies by individual. Therefore, some depressed people may experience more symptoms than others; the severity and duration of each symptom can also vary.

To meet criteria for depression as outlined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders- Fourth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR) the individual must experience five or more of the following symptoms within a 2-week period.

At least one of they symptoms must be evident:

1) depressed mood or
2) loss of interest or pleasure

 

These feelings must further evidence a change from previous functioning. For Example:

  • Persistent depressed, sad, anxious, or "empty" mood
  • Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness
  • Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed, including sexual experiences
  • Decreased energy, fatigue, feeling "slowed down"
  • Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions
  • Insomnia, waking early in the morning, or oversleeping
  • Appetite and/or weight loss or overeating and weight gain
  • Thoughts of death or suicide; suicide attempts
  • Restlessness, irritability

     

    Further symptoms may include:

  • Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism
  • Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive problems, and chronic pain

     

According to the DSM-IV-TR, Major Depressive Disorder can be marked by a single major depressive episode, or is considered Recurrent if two or more episodes occur (with a symptom free two month period in between). Both types are qualified as Mild, Moderate, or Severe (with or without psychotic symptoms). Likewise, if an individual experiences some but not all symptoms required, the depression is said to by either in Partial Remission or in Full Remission. Lastly, the pattern of depressive symptoms can be described as Longitudinal (describes the period between two depressive episodes) or Seasonal (onset of symptoms coincides with specific annual time-periods).

 

Reference: http://www.psychiatryonline.com/resourceTOC.aspx?resourceID=1