
Depression Symptoms
The symptoms of depression can vary from person to person. However, depression is generally observed as being a persistent state of sadness or a loss of the ability to experience pleasure. Those experiencing depression often lose interest in everyday activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
According to the standard diagnosis guide (DSM-IV-TR) published by the American Psychiatric Association, depression is diagnosed when an individual is experiencing either a depressed mood or a loss of interest or pleasure plus four or more of the following symptoms during the same two-week period:
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Significant weight loss (when not dieting) or weight gain (a change of more than five percent of body weight in a month)
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Significant increase or decrease in appetite
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Excessive sleepiness or insomnia
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Agitation and restlessness
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Fatigue or loss of energy nearly every day
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Feelings of worthlessness or excessive and inappropriate guilt nearly every day
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Diminished ability to think, concentrate, or make decisions
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Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide
If you feel you are experiencing any of these symptoms of depression, contact your doctor and speak with them about your depression treatment options.