Symptoms of Depression
Much like with other disorders, individuals suffering from depression will experience a variety of symptoms. Some people may experience relatively few symptoms, while others may experience many. Severity of symptoms varies with each individual as well as across time.
Depression
- Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood
- Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness
- Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed
- Decreased energy, fatigue, being "slowed down"
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions
- Insomnia, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
- Appetite and/or weight loss or overeating and weight gain
- Thoughts of death or suicide; suicide attempts
- Restlessness, irritability
- Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain
Dysthymia
- Depressed mood for a period of at least two years
- Poor appetite or overeating
- Low energy or fatigue
- Low self-esteem or feelings of inadequacy
- Poor concentration or difficulty making decisions
- Feelings of hopelessness or guilt
- Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain
- Generalized loss of interest or pleasure in most things
- Social withdrawal
- Feelings of irritability or excessive anger
- Decreased activity, effectiveness, or productivity
Other Useful Links regarding Depression
- Overview of Depression
- What causes Depression?
- Read more about the various causes of depression that may include such things as family, stress, and chemical imbalance.
- Depression in:
- Prognosis and Treatment of Depression
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