Depression: What are the symptoms of depression?

Slowdown, feeling empty, sad mood, disturbed sleep and physiological disorders? Maybe he is a depressive episode. How do we know? You will find the signs of depression below.

1. Presence of characteristic symptoms of depression

To talk about depression, there must be a person includes at least 5 of the following symptoms:

a) A depressed person has a change of mood from his previous operation. It is sad, "depression" almost all day. The person did, however, not always conscious, but can others noticing, observing a difference between what the person used to be and what it is today.

b) There is a marked diminished interest or pleasure in daily activities removed and that most of the day. The work loses its appeal as leisure activities.

c) An increase or decrease in appetite was observed. This is often accompanied by an outlet, instead of weight loss.

d) The sleep is disturbed : the person is sleeping much ( hypersomnia ) or evil and very little (insomnia ).

e) The person is slow , it's hard to do things or to take initiative, and it almost everyday.
f) The feeling of fatigue or loss of energy resonance.

g) The person feels guilty , but not limited to being sick. This guilt over several areas and is an aspect excessive or inappropriate. This can also result in a feeling of worthlessness important.

h) Difficulty concentrating and thinking result in much indecision , doubt, and it almost everyday.

i) Death seems appealing. Of suicidal thoughts may occur.

2. Other criteria

a) The presence of symptoms discussed above causes significant suffering for the depressed person. This can lead to great sadness , a disruption of social relationships , marital, occupational or other areas that are important for the person.

b) The symptoms are not the result of medication. Indeed, it is possible to develop depression following, for example, taking drugs like corticosteroids . Depression is so called iatrogenic depression , that is, induced by drugs. It is also possible that diseases such as hypothyroidism, which affects hormone levels, cause depression.

Caution: On the one hand, when these signs are present in a person, we can speak of a condition called major depressive episode. It is important then that person can receive medical care and psychotherapy, as soon as possible. Psychiatrists and psychologists are trained for this. Do not hesitate to seek advice or assistance. On the other hand, there are different forms of depression corresponding to other forms of disease. In case of doubt, it is best to consult a health professional.