The Nine Symptoms of Chronic Depression:
(1) depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day, as indicated by either subjective report or observation made by others
(2) markedly diminished interest or pleasure in all, or almost all, activities most of the day, nearly every day as indicated by either subjective account or observation made by others
(3) significant weight loss when not dieting or weight gain (e.g., a change of more than 5% of body weight in a month), or decrease or increase in appetite nearly every day
(4) insomnia or hypersomnia nearly every day
(5) psychomotor agitation or retardation nearly every day (observable by others, not merely subjective feelings of restlessness or being slowed down.
(6) fatigue or loss of energy nearly every day
(7) feelings of worthlessness or excessive or inappropriate 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.
The second depressive disorder identified is Dysthymic Disorder. Dysthymic Disorder is identified by the presence of depressed mood for “most of the day more days than not for at least two years.
To be diagnosed with Dysthymic Disorder an individual must also present two (or more) of the following while suffering from depressed mood:
(1) poor appetite or overeating
(2) insomnia or hypersomnia
(3) low energy or fatigue
(4) low self-esteem
(5) poor concentration or difficulty making decisions
(6) feelings of hopelessness
If you know anyone suffering from these symptoms PLEASE intervene-get them help. They are not only dangerous to themselves they can put children and family members in danger as well.
(1) depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day, as indicated by either subjective report or observation made by others
(2) markedly diminished interest or pleasure in all, or almost all, activities most of the day, nearly every day as indicated by either subjective account or observation made by others
(3) significant weight loss when not dieting or weight gain (e.g., a change of more than 5% of body weight in a month), or decrease or increase in appetite nearly every day
(4) insomnia or hypersomnia nearly every day
(5) psychomotor agitation or retardation nearly every day (observable by others, not merely subjective feelings of restlessness or being slowed down.
(6) fatigue or loss of energy nearly every day
(7) feelings of worthlessness or excessive or inappropriate 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.
The second depressive disorder identified is Dysthymic Disorder. Dysthymic Disorder is identified by the presence of depressed mood for “most of the day more days than not for at least two years.
To be diagnosed with Dysthymic Disorder an individual must also present two (or more) of the following while suffering from depressed mood:
(1) poor appetite or overeating
(2) insomnia or hypersomnia
(3) low energy or fatigue
(4) low self-esteem
(5) poor concentration or difficulty making decisions
(6) feelings of hopelessness
If you know anyone suffering from these symptoms PLEASE intervene-get them help. They are not only dangerous to themselves they can put children and family members in danger as well.
