Symptoms of depression
You may be depressed if you have experienced at least five of the following symptoms most of the day, nearly every day, for at least 2 weeks.
People who are depressed have at least one of the first two symptoms.
- Feelings of sadness or hopelessness. Children may be irritable instead of sad or depressed.
- A noticeable loss of interest or pleasure in almost all activities
- Significant weight loss or gain
- Difficulty falling asleep or sleeping too much
- Restlessness and an inability to sit still
- Constant tiredness
- Feelings of worthlessness or overwhelming guilt
- Inability to concentrate, to remember, or to make decisions
- Recurring thoughts of death or suicide
Most people experience some form of depression at some point in their lives. Depression can range from a minor problem to a major, life-threatening illness. Depression is usually treatable. For many people, treatment can dramatically improve their quality of life.
| Author: | Jeannette Curtis Ralph Poore | Last Updated: March 21, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine Lisa S. Weinstock, MD - Psychiatry | |
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