Signs and Symptoms of Depression

Depression is more than simply feeling sad. There are several signs and symptoms that help doctors diagnose an individual with depression. In order for a diagnosis of depression to take place, a particular amount and combination of symptoms must be present. Symptoms can be broken into three categories: physical symptoms, emotional symptoms, and behavioral symptoms.

In order for a person to be diagnosed with clinical depression at least five of the below symptoms must be present for not less than two weeks. However, at least one of those symptoms must be persistent feeling of sadness or loss of interest or pleasure. Read below to learn about the different physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms of depression.

Depression	Physical Signs and Symptoms of Depression There are typical physical symptoms that go along with depression. Below is a list of the common physical symptoms: Fatigue- mentally or physically feeling drained, and problems with concentration and memory. Decreased energy - even small tasks are demanding and a general lack of interest in past social activities, hobbies, or sex. Overeating - Food cravings, significant weight gain and a change of more than 5% of body weight in a month. Appetite loss - a general disinterest in food, significant weight loss, and a change of more than 5% of body weight in a month. Insomnia - Changes in sleeping patterns, difficulty in getting to sleep at night, waking up in the middle of the night or early-morning wakefulness.
Depression Overview About Depression What is depression Types of depression Risk factors Depression Signs and Symptoms Physical Emotional Behavioral When to see a doctor Causes of Depression Hormonal causes Other causes of depression Depression Treatments

Excessive sleeping - oversleeping (also known as hypersomnia) and a difficulty in getting out of bed in the morning.

Physical ailments - Headaches, cramps, persistent aches and pains or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment.

Continue reading to learn more about the emotional and behavioral symptoms of depression during menopause.

Emotional Signs and Symptoms of Depression

Many people only associate the below emotional symptoms with depression. They often are the easiest to identify because most people consider some of these symptoms and depression synonymous, although the other symptom categories are just as important in diagnosing depression.

Emotional symptoms of depression: • Persistent sad, anxious or "empty" feelings. • Feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism. • Feelings of guilt, worthlessness and/or helplessness. • Irritability. • Restlessness. • Thoughts of suicide/suicide attempts.

Behavioral Signs and Symptoms of Depression

Last, there are some behavioral symptoms that help to characterize depression. The primary behavioral symptoms are:

Behavioral symptoms of depression: • Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once   pleasurable, which includes sex. • Difficulty concentrating. • Difficulty remembering details. • Difficulty making decisions. • Neglecting responsibilities. • Failing to attend to one´s physical appearance.

Although there are several different signs and symptoms, broken up into three categories, many people look for a these ten signs of depression when attempting to self-diagnose:

Continue reading to find out when to see a doctor for depression.

When to see a doctor

Women entering menopause should seek professional help for their depression if the following symptoms occur: • Depression continues for over a month • Severe weight loss • Neglect of family and self • Self-mutilation • Thoughts of suicide

Equipped with a clear understanding of the signs and symptoms of depression, click on the following link to learn about the causes of depression during menopause.

Return to home page and learn more about the 34 Menopause Symptoms.