Major Depression
Alternate Names : Depression - Major, Major Depressive Disorder, Unipolar Depression
 See all Pictures & Images
Major Depression Symptoms & Signs
- Persistent sadness lasting greater than 2 weeks.
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyed (including sex).
- Loss of appetite or weight loss, or overeating and weight gain.
- Sleep disturbances.
- Energy loss or fatigue.
- Behavior that is either slowed down or restless.
- Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, and pessimism.
- Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, and remembering.
- Thoughts of death or suicide.
- In some cultures, physical discomfort, weakness, and "nerves" may be the most prominent symptoms.
- In children and adolescents, mood is more likely to be irritable (see adolescent depression).
- If depression is quite severe, it may be accompanied by psychotic symptoms, such as hallucinations and delusions. These are usually consistent with the depressed mood, and may focus on themes of guilt, personal inadequacy, or disease.
- Depression can also appear as irritability, anger, and discouragement rather than feelings of hopelessness and helplessness.
|
