clinical DEPRESSION

Common but serious mood disorder affecting how you feel, think, and handle daily activities. To be diagnosed with depression, the symptoms must be present for at least 2 weeks.

 

Common forms of depression:

 

1. Persistent depressive disorder - depressed mood that lasts for at least two years

2. Postpartum depression - full-blown major depression during pregnancy or after delivery

3. Psychotic depression - occurs when a person has severe depression plus some form of psychosis, such as having disturbing false fixed beliefs (delusions) or hearing or seeing upsetting things that others cannot hear or see (hallucinations)

 

Symptoms most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks:

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• Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood

• Feelings of hopelessness, or pessimism

• Irritability

• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness

• Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities

• Decreased energy or fatigue

• Moving or talking more slowly

• Feeling restless or having trouble sitting still

• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions

• Difficulty sleeping, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping

• Appetite and/or weight changes

• Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts

• Aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems without a clear physical cause and/or that do not ease even with treatment

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All information taken from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml

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