Symptom of depression, Depression Sign and Symptoms

There is no laboratory test or scan that will diagnose depression - it will be detected only by observing, listening to and talking with the person involved. The various sign and symptoms of depression need to be weighted up - in their severity, effects on daily living and length of time present. It is not a precise science, but neither is it random.

Some common symptom and sign of depression include:

There are many recognized symptoms of depression. Some symptoms are not experienced at any time by a person with depression - and it is certainly not necessary to have all of these symptoms for depression to be present. Here are the symptoms listed -

Dysphasia - low mood

inability to gain pleasure from activities that are normally pleasurable

Anhedonia - loss of interest in normal activities, hobbies and everyday life

feeling tired all the time and having no energy

difficulty getting off to sleep, or walking early in the morning

feeling unable to get out of bed and face the world

loss of appetite

weight change

loss of interest in sex

difficulty in concentration

feeling restless, tense or anxious

being irritable

losing self-confidence

avoiding other people

finding it harder than usual to make decisions

feeling useless and inadequate - a waste of space

feeling guilty about who you are and what you have done

feeling hopeless - that nothing will make things better

thinking about suicide.

Common symptom of depression, as voiced by Hamlet: "How weary, stale, flat, and unprofitable seem to me all the uses of this world!" Depression can cause physical symptoms, too. Some people have an upset stomach, loss of appetite, weight gain or loss, headaches, and sleeping problems when they're depressed.

Other everyday symptoms of depression

Other symptoms of depression can include

forgetfulness

tearfulness

feelings of inadequacy

feeling hopeless about the future

loss of motivation

feeling irritable

reduced care over personal hygiene and appearance

loss of sex drive

anxiety and worrying about health more than usual.

Symptoms needed to meet criteria for 'depressive episode' in ICD-10:

A - Depressed Mood
Loss of interest and enjoyment
Reduced energy and decreased activity

B - Reduced concentration
Reduced self esteem and confidence
Ideas of guilt and unworthyness
Pessimistic thoughts
Disturbed sleep
Diminished apetite
Ideas of self harm

Mild depressive episode - at least 2 of A and atleast 2 of B

Moderate depressive episode - at least 2 of A and atleast 3 of B

Severe depressive episode - all 3 of A and atleast 4 of B