What is depression?

Depression is a condition that is defined by at least five of the following nine symptoms being present at the same time for at least two weeks in adults or one week in children or adolescents:

• A depressed mood during most of the day, particularly in the morning
• Fatigue or loss of energy almost every day
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt almost every day
• Impaired concentration, indecisiveness
• Insomnia or hypersomnia (excessive sleeping) almost every day
• Markedly diminished interest or pleasure in almost all activities nearly every day
• Recurring thoughts of death or suicide (not just fearing death)
• A sense of restlessness, known as psychomotor agitation, or being slowed down (retardation)
• Significant weight loss or gain

What does someone feel like when depressed?

There are several symptoms experienced by people with depression and more often than not, they will experience several depressive symptoms at a time:

• Difficulty concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions
• Fatigue and decreased energy
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and/or helplessness
• Feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism
• Insomnia, early-morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping
• Irritability, restlessness
• Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable, including sex
• Overeating or appetite loss
• Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment
• Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" feelings
• Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts

While these are common symptoms of depression, they may occur in patterns over a long or a short period of time. There are several types or forms of depression. For example, a person may experience depression with mania or hypomania a condition sometimes called manic depression or as it is more commonly referred to today, bipolar disorder. People with bipolar I disorder have a history of at least one manic extreme elation or high episode, with or without past major depressive episodes. People with bipolar II disorder have at least one episode of manic depression and at least one hypomanic mild elation or high episode. The symptoms may also be seasonal for some people whereby their moods change with the season, called Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD. Just after giving birth approximately 15% of women experience postpartum depression. Symptoms include sadness and hopelessness over and above the normal baby blues.

This is general information and principles of medical care. The information on this or any other page should not be construed as specific instructions for individuals or patients. If you experience any of the symptoms listed above please seek professional help immediately.