Leonard A Lado MD

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Depression Symptoms

The symptoms of depression can vary from person to person. However, depression is generally observed as being a persistent state of sadness or a loss of the ability to experience pleasure. Those experiencing depression often lose interest in everyday activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.

According to the standard diagnosis guide (DSM-V) published by the American Psychiatric Association, depression is diagnosed when an individual is experiencing either a depressed mood or a loss of interest or pleasure plus four or more of the following symptoms during the same two-week period:

  • Depressed mood that persists or is present nearly every day.
  • Loss of interest/pleasure in activities most days.
  • Significant weight loss (without dieting) or gain of at least five percent of total weight in one month.
  • Excessive sleepiness or insomnia.
  • Feeling restless or slow nearly every day, observable by others.
  • Fatigue or loss of energy nearly every day.
  • Feelings of worthlessness or excessive and inappropriate guilt nearly every day.
  • Decreased concentration paired with indecisiveness, observable by others.
  • Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide.

If you feel you are experiencing any of these depression symptoms, contact your doctor and speak with them about your depression treatment options.