Although we all feel sad sometimes, depression (also called major depressive disorder) is diagnosed when a person experiences depressed mood (sadness), loss of interest or pleasure in daily activities, or both, plus 5 of the following symptoms for at least 2 weeks:
- changes in appetite or weight
- restlessness or slowed reactions (must be observable by others)
- fatigue or lack of energy
- insomnia (trouble sleeping) or chronic oversleeping
- feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- recurring thoughts of death or suicide
Depression may vary in its severity, and in its extreme forms
(i.e., thoughts of suicide) can be life-threatening and require immediate
medical attention.
Symptoms of other forms of depression, although generally milder, may still
negatively affect a person's daily activities and quality of life.
