Depression Symptoms

According to the DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), a major depression is marked by a combination of symptoms that occur together, and last for at least two weeks without significant improvement.

Symptoms from at least five of the following categories must be present for a major depression, although even a few of the symptom clusters are indicators of a depression, but perhaps not a major depression.

--Persistent depressed, sad, anxious, or empty mood

--Feeling worthless, helpless, or experiencing excessive or inappropriate guilt
--Hopeless about the future, excessive pessimistic feelings
--Loss of interest and pleasure in your usual activities
--Decreased energy and chronic fatigue
--Loss of memory, difficulty making decisions or concentrating
--Irritability or restlessness or agitation
--Sleep disturbances, either difficulty sleeping, or sleeping too much
--Loss of appetite and interest in food, or overeating, with weight gain
--Recurring thoughts of death, or suicidal thoughts or actions
 

Other symptoms that are not necessarily DSM specific criteria include, but are not limited to: work problems such as absenteeism, decreased production, lack of concern about work and accidents at work.

More symptoms to look for are:

--decreased need for sleep

--racing thoughts

--grandiose notions

--easily distracted

And of course alcohol and drug abuse.  Dr. Nathan S. Kline⁽¹⁾ once remarked that:

"The problems of alcoholism and drug addiction have strong links to depression. The search for highs may often begin as a flight from lows."
 

If you think you are depressed, please avoid self-diagnosis and self-medication with questionable and sometimes dangerous 'alternative' solutions.  Consult with your doctor and discuss all possible solutions including alternative answers that have solid documentation.

REFERENCES:

(1) Dr. Kline may not be a well-known person to most but, his story is interesting.  Click here to learn more about Dr. Kline.

Date of last update: 10-6-2005

Questions or Comments?  devin@depression-hypnosis.com

C. Devin Hastings © 2005

 

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