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Symptoms of Depression
Symptoms
Not everyone who is depressed or manic experiences every symptom. Some people
experience a few symptoms, some many. Severity of symptoms varies with individuals
and also varies over time.
Symptoms of Depression Can Include:
Symptoms of depression include a persistent sad mood; loss of interest or
pleasure in activities that were once enjoyed; significant change
in appetite or body weight; difficulty sleeping or oversleeping;
physical slowing or agitation; loss of energy; feelings of worthlessness
or inappropriate guilt; difficulty thinking or concentrating;
and recurrent thoughts of death or suicide. A diagnosis of major
depressive disorder (or unipolar major depression) is made if
an individual has five or more of these symptoms during the same
two-week period. Unipolar major depression typically presents
in discrete episodes that recur during a person's lifetime.
Bipolar disorder (or manic-depressive illness) is characterized
by episodes of major depression as well as episodes of mania –
periods of abnormally and persistently elevated mood or irritability
accompanied by at least three of the following symptoms: overly-inflated
self-esteem; decreased need for sleep; increased talkativeness;
racing thoughts; distractibility; increased goal-directed activity
or physical agitation; and excessive involvement in pleasurable
activities that have a high potential for painful consequences.
While sharing some of the features of major depression, bipolar
disorder is a different illness that is discussed in detail in
a separate topic.
Symptoms of Mania Can Include:
Excessively "high" mood Decreased need for sleep Increased
energy and activity Increased talking, moving, and sexual activity.
Racing thoughts Disturbed ability to make decisions Grandiose
notions Being easily distracted Abnormal or excessive elation
Unusual irritability and Inappropriate social behavior.
In the Workplace, Depression Often May Be Recognized By:
Decreased productivity Morale problems Lack of cooperation Safety
problems, accidents Absenteeism Frequent complaints of being tired
all the time Complaints of unexplained aches and pains Alcohol
and drug abuse.
Get an Accurate Diagnosis
A thorough diagnosis is needed if five or more of the symptoms of depression
or mania persist for more than two weeks, or are interfering with
work or family life. A good diagnosis involves a complete physical
checkup and a review of family history of health problems.Most
People Can Be Helped Quickly.
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