Depression Symptoms

There are a many different types of depression and although many of the symptoms that apply to each will be similar, there are some additional signs to look out for within each type of depressive disorder. The following is a list of some of the main types of depressive disorders and the kind of symptoms that can be associated with them.

Clinical Depression
Depression can range from mild to severe but in order to be classed as major depression, there has to have been at least 5 symptoms of depression for a period of at least two weeks that have been severe enough to interfere with daily routines and that are not related to use of substances, a medical condition, or bereavement.

Low moods and sadness for most of the time
Disinterest and lack of pleasure in most activities including sex
Weight gain or loss with associated increased or diminished appetite
Sleep disturbances both insomnia and hypersomnia
Feeling exhausted when waking up
Irritability, agitation and restlessness
Feeling guilty, worthless and/or helpless
Inability to concentrate and focus
Indecisiveness
Fatigue and loss of energy
Physical aches and pains or digestive problems
Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide

Bipolar Disorder (Manic Depression)
Bipolar disorder is a highly complex depressive disorder that at a basic level can be said to be characterised by severe mood swings fluctuating between extreme "highs" or episodes of mania, to severe "lows" or depressive episodes, however, in reality it isn't quite as simple as that as there is no clear pattern and sometimes symptoms of both mania and depression can be present at the same time (mixed state bipolar).

A manic episode can be diagnosed if at least 3 of the symptoms occur along with an elevated mood for most of the time for at least a week. If the overall mood is one of irritability then another 4 symptoms must be present.

Increased energy, activity, and restlessness
Excessively "high," euphoric mood
Extreme irritability
Racing thoughts, talking quickly, jumping from one idea to another
Distractibility, lack off concentration
Little sleep needed
Unrealistic beliefs in one's abilities and powers
Poor judgment
Spending sprees
A lasting period of behaviour that is different from usual
Increased sexual drive
Alcohol and drug abuse
Provocative or aggressive behaviour
Denial that anything is wrong

A depressive episode can be diagnosed if five or more of these symptoms are present for most of the time for a period of at least 2 weeks.

feeling sad, anxious, or empty mood
Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism
Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness
Loss of pleasure in activities once enjoyed, including sex
Decreased energy, a feeling of fatigue or of being "slowed down"
Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions
Restlessness or irritability
Sleeping too much, or can't sleep
Change in appetite and/or unintended weight loss or gain
Chronic pain or other persistent bodily symptoms that are not caused by physical illness or injury
Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts

Teen Depression
All teenagers go through periods of sadness and moodiness from time to time so it isn't easy to spot when this has developed into depression. In addition to some of the classic signs of depression there are some other signs to watch out for including:

Headaches and aches and pains not associated with a medical condition
Frequent absences from school and poor performance
Persistent boredom, brooding or sulking
No interest in socialising with peers
Restless and agitated behaviour
Often angry, upset or hostile
Fear of death or dying
Poor hygiene and neglecting appearance
Showing extreme sensitivity to rejection
Self harming

Child Depression
Increasingly, it is being recognised that children suffer from depression too. Some additional signs to look out for include:

Refusing to go to school or getting into trouble at school
Clinginess
Worrying about death or dying
Pretending to be sick

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
SAD is a type of depression occurring during the winter months. Symptoms can range from mild to severe. Some of the more common symptoms include:

Mood and behaviour changes coinciding with the winter months
Feeling tired and lethargic most of the time
Eating and/or sleeping more than usual
Frequent sick days from work
Difficulty in concentrating and making decisions
Irritability
Lack of interest in socialising
Stress, anxiety and/or panic attacks
Loss of interest in sex
Generally feeling low

Post Natal Depression
Post Natal Depression can occur after a woman has given birth. The symptoms are similar to those of common depression but can also include:

Feeling guilty, inadequate, and unable to cope
Fear of not loving the baby enough
Resentment, hostility or indifference towards the baby or partner
Feelings of hopelessness and despondency
Crying or wanting to cry all the time
Feeling extremely anxious and panicky
Obsessive fear and worrying

Conclusion

If you think you or someone close to you is suffering from depression the important thing is to see your GP in the first instance, because with a proper diagnosis and the right help, depression is treatable.