Symptoms of Depression
Symptoms of Depression: Introduction
Depression symptoms:
The severity and types of symptoms of depression vary from person to person. Typical symptoms include feelings of sadness, anxiety, and despair that do not go away. Other feelings may include hopelessness, guilt, worthlessness, helplessness, and anger and irritability. People with depression may also experience a loss in interest in activities they once enjoyed, chronic fatigue, trouble focusing, and difficulties with memory or in making decisions. Sleep abnormalities may also occur, such as insomnia or a desire to sleep all the time. Suicidal thoughts or attempts at committing suicidal may also be experienced. Chronic pain is also associated with depression. The two are connected closely because the mood and pain perception centers are both located in the same areas of the brain. Both chronic pain and depression can deplete the body's sores of endorphins and other neurochemical that regulate mood and sensation and result in an exacerbation of the other condition. Seventy-five percent of patients with depression have complaints of physical symptoms, especially chronic pain. In addition, depression occurs in about 30% of patients with chronic pain, and anyone in pain can experience some level of mood change, according to the National Pain Foundation.
Not all of the above symptoms are always related to depression. They and other symptoms can be related to many other conditions. At the same time, depression can accompany other conditions. For example, chronic body aches and fatigue may be due to fibromyalgia, which may or may not accompany depression. Depression also often goes hand in hand with other conditions, such as anxiety disorder and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Only a thorough evaluation by a qualified health care professional can determine what is causing your particular symptoms and make a diagnosis of depression. Symptoms of depression, especially suicidal thoughts, should be reported immediately to your health care provider, and 911should be called immediately for any attempt at suicide, even if it does not appear serious....more about Depression »
Symptoms of Depression
The list of signs and symptoms mentioned in various sources
for Depression includes the 80
symptoms listed below:
Research symptoms & diagnosis of Depression:
Depression: Complications
Review medical complications possibly associated with Depression:
Depression Symptoms: Book Excerpts
Research More About Depression
Do I have Depression?
Depression: Medical Mistakes
Depression: Undiagnosed Conditions
Diseases that may be commonly undiagnosed in related medical areas:
Home Diagnostic Testing
Home medical tests related to Depression:
- Child Behavior: Home Testing
- Mental Health (Adults): Home Testing
- Mental Health: Home Testing:
- Brain & Neurological Disorders: Related Home Testing:
- more home tests...»
Wrongly Diagnosed with Depression?
The list of other diseases or medical conditions
that may be on the differential diagnosis list of alternative diagnoses
for Depression includes:
- Various non-disease causes of down feelings:
- Normal teenage behavior - all teenagers are somewhat moody but only about 4% are clinically depressed.
- Normal child behavior - some children are sulky, but depression is relatively rare in children.
- Grief - Down feelings from emotional loss or grief can be misdiagnosed as depression, but grief can also trigger depression.
- Burnout
- more diagnoses...»
See the full list of 165
alternative diagnoses for Depression
Depression: Research Doctors & Specialists
Research all specialists including ratings, affiliations, and sanctions.
More about symptoms of Depression:
More information about symptoms of Depression and related conditions:
Other Possible Causes of these Symptoms
Click on any of the symptoms below to see a full list
of other causes including diseases, medical conditions, toxins, drug interactions,
or drug side effect causes of that symptom.
Medical Books Online about Depression
Medical Books Excerpts
Excerpts of published medical book chapters related to Depression
are available from published medical books
for more detailed information about Depression.
Medical Books Excerpts
- DEPRESSION
- "Algorithmic Diagnosis of Symptoms and Signs" (2003)
- [ read ]
- Depression
- "Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition)" (2006)
- [ read ]
- Depression
- "Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition)" (2006)
- [ read ]
- Depression
- "The 10-Minute Diagnosis Manual: Symptoms and Signs in the Time-Limited Encounter" (2000)
- [ read ]
Copyright notice for book excerpts: Copyright © 2008 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. All rights reserved.
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Patient Surveys for Depression
Symptoms of Depression: Online Medical Books
16 MEDICAL BOOKS ONLINE!
Review excerpts from medical books online, free, without registration,
for more information about the symptoms of Depression.
Major depression:
Signs and symptoms
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))
The primary features of major depression are a predominantly sad mood and a loss of interest or pleasure in daily activities. The patient may complain of feeling “down in the dumps,” express doubts about his self-worth or ability to cope, or simply appear unhappy and apathetic. He may also report feeling angry or anxious. Symptoms tend to be more severe than those caused by dysthymic disorder, which is a milder, chronic form of depression. (See Dysthymic disorder, page 456.) Other common signs include difficulty concentrating or thinking clearly, distractibility, and indecisiveness. All physiologic and psychologic processes are slowed. Anergia and fatigue are common as are anhedonia (inability to experience pleasure) and insomnia. Take special note if the patient reveals suicidal thoughts, a preoccupation with death, or previous suicide attempts.
The psychosocial history may reveal life problems or losses that can account for the depression. Alternatively, the patient’s medical history may implicate a physical disorder or the use of prescription, nonprescription, or illegal drugs that can cause depression.
The patient may report an increase or a decrease in appetite, sleep disturbances (for example, insomnia or early awakening), a lack of interest in sexual activity, constipation, or diarrhea. Other signs that you may note during a physical examination include agitation (such as hand wringing or restlessness) and reduced psychomotor activity (for example, slowed speech).
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
Depression, major:
Signs and symptoms
(Handbook of Diseases)
The primary features of major depression are a predominantly sad mood and a loss of interest or pleasure in daily activities. Symptoms tend to be more severe than those caused by dysthymic disorder, which is a milder, chronic form of depression. (See Dysthymic disorder: A chronic affective disorder.)
The depressive patient may complain of feeling “down in the dumps,” express doubts about his self-worth or ability to cope, or simply appear unhappy and apathetic. He may also report feeling angry or anxious.
Other common signs include difficulty concentrating or thinking clearly, distractibility, and indecisiveness. Take special note if the patient reveals suicidal thoughts, a preoccupation with death, or previous suicide attempts.
The psychosocial history may reveal life problems or losses that can account for the depression. Alternatively, the patient’s medical history may implicate a physical disorder or the use of prescription, nonprescription, or illegal drugs that can cause depression.
The patient may report an increase or a decrease in appetite, sleep disturbances (for example, insomnia or early awakening), a lack of interest in sexual activity, constipation, or diarrhea. Other signs that you may note during a physical examination include agitation (such as hand wringing or restlessness) and reduced psychomotor activity (for example, slowed speech).
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003
Article Excerpts About Symptoms of Depression:
Depression: NWHIC (Excerpt)
When a person is clinically depressed, his or her ability to function
both mentally and physically is affected, and the trouble may last for
weeks, months or even years. Here is a list of the most common signs of
depression. If several of these symptoms last for more than 2 weeks, see a
doctor.
-
An "empty" feeling, ongoing sadness and anxiety
-
Tiredness, lack of energy
-
Loss of interest or pleasure in ordinary activities,
including sex
-
Sleep problems, including very early morning awakening
-
Problems with eating and weight (gain or loss)
-
A lot of crying
-
Aches and pains that just won’t go away
-
Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
-
Feelings that the future looks grim; feeling guilty,
helpless, or worthless
-
Irritability
-
Thoughts of death or suicide; a suicide attempt.
Symptoms vary widely among people and, sometimes, depression can hide
behind a smiling face. Don’t ignore the warning signs. At its worst,
serious depression can lead to suicide. Listen carefully when a friend or
relative complains about being depressed or of people not caring. The
person may be telling you that he or she needs help. (Source: excerpt from Depression: NWHIC)
Let's Talk About Depression: NIMH (Excerpt)
Sure, everybody feels sad or blue now and then. But if you're sad
most of the time, and it's giving you problems with
- your grades or attendance at school
- your relationships with your family and friends
- alcohol, drugs, or sex
- controlling your behavior in other ways
the problem may be DEPRESSION. (Source: excerpt from Let's Talk About Depression: NIMH)
Let's Talk About Depression: NIMH (Excerpt)
When You're Depressed... (Source: excerpt from Let's Talk About Depression: NIMH)
Depression in Children and Adolescents A Fact Sheet for Physicians: NIMH (Excerpt)
Symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder Common to Adults, Children,
and Adolescents 14
- Persistent sad or irritable mood
- Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
- Significant change in appetite or body weight
- Difficulty sleeping or oversleeping
- Psychomotor agitation or retardation
- Loss of energy
- Feelings of worthlessness or inappropriate guilt
- Difficulty concentrating
- Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide
(Source: excerpt from
Depression in Children and Adolescents A Fact Sheet for Physicians: NIMH)
Depression in Children and Adolescents A Fact Sheet for Physicians: NIMH (Excerpt)
Signs That May Be Associated with Depression in Children and
Adolescents
- Frequent vague, non-specific physical complaints such as headaches,
muscle aches, stomachaches or tiredness
- Frequent absences from school or poor performance in school
- Talk of or efforts to run away from home
- Outbursts of shouting, complaining, unexplained irritability, or
crying
- Being bored
- Lack of interest in playing with friends
- Alcohol or substance abuse
- Social isolation, poor communication
- Fear of death
- Extreme sensitivity to rejection or failure
- Increased irritability, anger, or hostility
- Reckless behavior
- Difficulty with relationships
(Source: excerpt from
Depression in Children and Adolescents A Fact Sheet for Physicians: NIMH)
If You're Over 65 and Feeling Depressed Treatment Brings New Hope: NIMH (Excerpt)
Most people think of depression only as sadness and low mood, but
clinical depression is far more than the ordinary "down" moods everyone
experiences now and then, and which pass after a visit with a friend or a
good movie.
Depression is also more than a feeling of grief after losing someone
you love. Following such a loss, for many people, a depressed mood is a
normal reaction to grief. And these people may find it helpful to join a
mutual support group, such as widowed-persons, to talk with others
experiencing similar feelings.
However, when a depressed mood continues for some time, whether
following a particular event or for no apparent reason, the person may be
suffering from clinical depression--an illness that can be treated
effectively.
Clinical depression is a whole body disorder. It can affect the way you
think and the way you feel, both physically and emotionally.
(Source: excerpt from If You're Over 65 and Feeling Depressed Treatment Brings New Hope: NIMH)
Medications: NIMH (Excerpt)
Depressed people will seem sad, or "down," or may be unable to enjoy
their normal activities. They may have no appetite and lose weight
(although some people eat more and gain weight when depressed). They may
sleep too much or too little, have difficulty going to sleep, sleep
restlessly, or awaken very early in the morning. They may speak of feeling
guilty, worthless, or hopeless; they may lack energy or be jumpy and
agitated. They may think about killing themselves and may even make a
suicide attempt. Some depressed people have delusions (false, fixed ideas)
about poverty, sickness, or sinfulness that are related to their
depression. Often feelings of depression are worse at a particular time of
day, for instance, every morning or every evening. (Source: excerpt from Medications: NIMH)
What to do When a Friend is Depressed: NIMH (Excerpt)
When that "down" mood, along with other symptoms, lasts for more
than a couple of weeks, the condition may be clinical depression.
Clinical depression is a serious health problem that affects the total
person. In addition to feelings, it can change behavior, physical health
and appearance, academic performance, social activity and the ability to
handle everyday decisions and pressures. (Source: excerpt from What to do When a Friend is Depressed: NIMH)
Depression A Serious but Treatable Illness - Age Page - Health Information: NIA (Excerpt)
Everyone gets the blues now and then. It's part of life. But when
there is little joy or pleasure after visiting with friends or
seeing a good movie, there may be a more serious problem. Being
depressed for a while, without letup, can change the way a person
thinks or feels. Doctors call this "clinical depression."
(Source: excerpt from Depression A Serious but Treatable Illness - Age Page - Health Information: NIA)
Depression A Serious but Treatable Illness - Age Page - Health Information: NIA (Excerpt)
Many older people have to deal with the death of
loved ones or friends. Some may have a tough time getting used to
retirement. Others are trying to deal with chronic illness. But,
after a period of grieving or feeling troubled, most older people do
get back to their daily lives. A person who is clinically depressed
continues to have trouble coping both mentally and physically and
may not feel better for weeks, months, or even years.
Here is a list of the most common signs of depression. If these
last for more than 2 weeks, see a doctor.
- An "empty" feeling, ongoing sadness, and anxiety.
- Tiredness, lack of energy.
- Loss of interest or pleasure in everyday activities, including
sex.
- Sleep problems, including very early morning waking.
- Problems with eating and weight (gain or loss).
- A lot of crying.
- Aches and pains that just won't go away.
- A hard time focusing, remembering, or making decisions.
- Feeling that the future looks grim; feeling guilty, helpless,
or worthless.
- Being irritable.
- Thoughts of death or suicide; a suicide attempt.
(Source: excerpt from
Depression A Serious but Treatable Illness - Age Page - Health Information: NIA)
Depression as a Cause of Symptoms or Medical Conditions
When considering symptoms of Depression, it is also important to consider Depression as a possible cause of other medical conditions.
The Disease Database lists the following medical conditions that Depression may cause:
- (Source - Diseases Database)
Depression: Onset and Incubation
Onset of Depression: It occurs more commonly between 25 to 44 years of age
Medical articles and books on symptoms:
These general reference articles may be of interest
in relation to medical signs and symptoms of disease in general:
Full list of premium articles on symptoms and diagnosis
About signs and symptoms of Depression:
The symptom information on this page
attempts to provide a list of some possible signs and symptoms of Depression.
This signs and symptoms information for Depression has been gathered from various sources,
may not be fully accurate,
and may not be the full list of Depression signs or Depression symptoms.
Furthermore, signs and symptoms of Depression may vary on an individual basis for each patient.
Only your doctor can provide adequate diagnosis of any signs or symptoms and whether they
are indeed Depression symptoms.
How do you know if your bad mood represents something more serious? Learn how to recognize the various types of depression, and what you can do to...
How do you know if you have depression? Learn what's involved in diagnosing the problem, and if your depression is the result of a biological...
Every winter, when the days get shorter, people with seasonal affective disorder, also known as SAD, experience depression. Learn how light can help...
We all know that when we're low or anxious it's hard to sleep. But did you know that sleep problems may also induce depression? Listen to...
See full list of 29 related videos
» Next page: Diagnostic Tests for Depression
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