Psybersquare Logo depression image
  Winners Circle Contact Psystore Share depression image
me


us


family


work


women


men


anxiety


depression


recovery


this site
www


Depression - Symptoms

Not everyone who is depressed or manic experiences every symptom. Some people experience a few symptoms, some many. Also, severity of symptoms varies with individuals.

SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION
  • Persistent sad or "empty" mood

  • Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism

  • Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness

  • Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that you once enjoyed, including sex

  • Insomnia, early-morning waking or oversleeping

  • Appetite and/or weight loss, or overeating and weight gain

  • Decreased energy, fatigue, being "slowed down"

  • Thoughts of death or suicide; suicide attempts

  • Restlessness, irritability

  • Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions

  • Excessive crying

  • Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain

SYMPTOMS OF MANIA INCLUDE
  • Inappropriate elation

  • Inappropriate irritability

  • Severe insomnia

  • Grandiose notions

  • Increased talking

  • Disconnected and racing thoughts

  • Increased sexual drive

  • Markedly increased energy

  • Poor judgment

  • Inappropriate social behavior

A less severe type of depression, dysthymia, involves long-term, chronic symptoms that do not disable, but keep you from functioning at "full steam" or from feeling good. Sometimes people with dysthymia also experience major depressive episodes.

Another type of depressive illness is manic depressive illness each year, also called bipolar depression. Not nearly as prevalent as other forms of depressive illnesses, manic-depressive illness involves cycles of depression and elation or mania. Sometimes the mood switches are dramatic and rapid, but most often they are gradual. When in the depressed cycle, you can have any or all of the symptoms of a depressive illness. When in the manic cycle, any or all symptoms listed under mania may be experienced. Mania often affects thinking, judgment, and social behavior in ways that cause serious problems and embarrassment. For example, unwise business or financial decisions may be made when in a manic phase.

NIMH Publication


Send to a Friend                  Print this Article


RECOMMENDED READING FROM THE PSYSTORE:

Depression: The Mood Disease (Johns Hopkins Health Book)
by Francis Mark, MD Mondimore
Our Price: $12.76

"In this newly revised book, Mondimore explores the many faces of an illness that will affect as many as 36 million Americans at some point in their lives and tells readers exactly what they need to know about the causes, symptoms, and treatment of depression. Includes detailed descriptions of medications and more." -- Synopsis

For a selection of books on this topic, visit the Psystore.

** All prices subject to change without notice




Depression Overview

Help for Depression

Depression: "The Invisible Disease"

What is Depression?

Symptoms of Depression

Causes of Depression

Psychotherapy and Medications

Self Help for Depression

Helping a Depressed Friend or Family Member


 
ME | US | FAMILY | WORK | WOMEN | MEN | ANXIETY | DEPRESSION | RECOVERY | IN THE NEWS | POLICIES | DISCLAIMER | ABOUT US | CONTACT | PSYSTORE


Copyright 1999-2004 © Psybersquare, Inc.