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Depression Health Symptoms

by Woody Schuldt

  • Overview

    The "Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders IV" (DSM-IV TR), the standard guide for diagnosing mental illness, describes depression as a mood disorder. Depressive episodes can occur as part of another ailment, such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, or they can occur alone in a disease referred to as major depression. The DSM-IV TR requires five symptoms to present themselves within a 2-week period to meet the diagnosis standard of a depressive episode.

  • Depressed Mood

    The defining symptom of depression is a continuously depressed mood over a period of 2 weeks. The negative mood must persist most of the day nearly every day during this time.
 

  • Sleep

    Major changes in sleeping patterns, whether increased or decreased, indicate depression.

  • Fatigue

    Those experiencing depression may have constant fatigue and a lack of energy regardless of the time spent sleeping.

  • Anhedonia

    Anhedonia is a loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable. Previous interests may seem pointless or simply not worth the effort.

  • Thoughts of Death

    Frequent thoughts of death, including suicidal thoughts with or without a plan, is a major symptom of depression.

  • Weight

    Changes in appetite resulting in major weight gain or loss can be a symptom of depression. This symptom does not include intentional diets.
       
       
     
     

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