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 or2) 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
Reference: http://www.psychiatryonline.com/resourceTOC.aspx?resourceID=1