Depressive symptoms. If you have experienced at least five of these symptoms for at least two weeks, you may be diagnosed with depression:
- Depressed mood: Feeling blue most of the day, nearly every day.
- Loss of interest and pleasure: Markedly reduced interest/pleasure in all (or almost all) activities most of the day.
- Changed appetite or weight (eating more or less than usual).
- Sleep disturbance (too much or too little).
- Moving more slowly than usual or making meaningless movements due to anxiety (for example twisting your hands).
- Lacking energy: Feeling tired nearly every day.
- Feeling excessively guilty and/or worthless.
- Having difficulty concentrating and/or making decisions.
- Having repeated thoughts about death, suicidal thoughts, or sometimes wishing you were dead.
Depression criteria. To receive a diagnosis of depression, the following conditions also apply:
- You experience at least 5 depressive symptoms.
- One of the symptoms ‘Depressed mood’ or ‘Loss of interest and pleasure’ is present.
- The depressive symptoms have been present for at least two weeks.
- The depressive symptoms cause suffering or affect your ability to work, interfere with relationships or other important aspects of life.
- The symptoms can’t be explained by a physical illness or substance abuse.
- The symptoms can’t be explained by another mental disorder.
- You have never experienced a manic or hypomanic episode.
Read more about depressive symptoms here: What are the signs of depression?
