Questionnaires, like the ones found on this site,
are not a diagnostic of depression, but are helpful as screening
devices. The most common kind of depression is known as
“major depression”, or depression that requires some sort
of treatment, such as psychoanalysis or medication. Here are some
criteria for major depression, compiled by the American Psychiatric
Association:
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
1. Depressed mood
(or can be irritable mood in children and adolescents) most of the day,
nearly every day, as indicated either by subjective account or
observation by others.
2. Markedly diminished interest or pleasure at all, or almost all, activities most of the day, nearly every day (as indicated either by subjective account or observation by others of apathy most of the time)
3. Significant weight loss or weight gain when not dieting (e.g. more than 5% body weight in a month), or decrease in appetite nearly every day (in children, consider failure to make expected weight gains)
4. Insomnia or hypersomnia nearly every day
5. Psychomotor agitation or retardation nearly every day (observable by others, not merely subjective feeling of restlessness or being slowed down)
6. Fatigue or loss of energy nearly every day
7. Feelings of worthlessness or excessive or innappropriate guilt (which may be delusional) nearly every day (not merely self-reproach or guilt about being sick)
8. Diminished ability to think or concentrate, or indecisiveness, nearly every day (either by subjective account or as observed by others
9. Recurrent thoughts of death (not just fear of dying), recurrent suicidal ideation without a specific plan, or a suicide attempt or a specific plan for committing suicide.
Definitely consult a doctor if at least five of these nine criteria are met.
2. Markedly diminished interest or pleasure at all, or almost all, activities most of the day, nearly every day (as indicated either by subjective account or observation by others of apathy most of the time)
3. Significant weight loss or weight gain when not dieting (e.g. more than 5% body weight in a month), or decrease in appetite nearly every day (in children, consider failure to make expected weight gains)
4. Insomnia or hypersomnia nearly every day
5. Psychomotor agitation or retardation nearly every day (observable by others, not merely subjective feeling of restlessness or being slowed down)
6. Fatigue or loss of energy nearly every day
7. Feelings of worthlessness or excessive or innappropriate guilt (which may be delusional) nearly every day (not merely self-reproach or guilt about being sick)
8. Diminished ability to think or concentrate, or indecisiveness, nearly every day (either by subjective account or as observed by others
9. Recurrent thoughts of death (not just fear of dying), recurrent suicidal ideation without a specific plan, or a suicide attempt or a specific plan for committing suicide.
Definitely consult a doctor if at least five of these nine criteria are met.
Symptoms Of Depression:
At least five of the following symptoms must have been present during the same two-week period
and represent a change from previous functioning; at least one of the
symptoms is either (1) depressed mood, or (2) loss of interest or
pleasure. (Do not include symptoms that are clearly due to a
physical condition).
Home | Contact | Depression Articles | Symptoms Of Depression | Depression Treatment | Depression & Personality Tests | Depression Self Help
Copyright 2006-2007 www.stopdepressiontoday.com
