Resolved Question

Are there any universal, unvarying symptoms of clinical depression?

Posted 5 months ago
Share |
   Flag
Best Answer
According to the clinnical DSM IV for Major depressive episode are the following symptoms.
A. Five (or more) of the following symptoms have been present during the same 2-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.

Note: Do note include symptoms that are clearly due to a general medical condition, or mood-incongruent delusions or hallucinations.

(1) depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day, as indicated by either subjective report (e.g., feels sad or empty) or observation made by others (e.g., appears tearful). Note: In children and adolescents, can be irritable mood.

(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. Note: 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 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

B. The symptoms do not meet criteria for a Mixed Episode.

C. The symptoms cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.

D. The symptoms are not due to the direct physiological effects of a substance (e.g., a drug of abuse, a medication) or a general medical condition (e.g., hypothyroidism).

E. The symptoms are not better accounted for by Bereavement, i.e., after the loss of a loved one, the symptoms persist for longer than 2 months or are characterized by marked functional impairment, morbid preoccupation with worthlessness, suicidal ideation, psychotic symptoms, or psychomotor retardation.

To read more visit: http://www.mental-health-today.com/dep/dsm.htm
Posted 5 months ago

Other 4 Answers to Are there any universal, unvarying symptoms of clinical depression?


Posted Oct 1st, 2009 at 11:10PM
WebMd is pretty good for figuring out symptoms. But from personal experience, I'd say that a lack of interest in things that one once enjoyed is a pretty common symptom.
Rated: +1Vote for this!  
Posted Oct 1st, 2009 at 11:13PM
Is anything Ever definite or unvarying? At all?
Rated: +1Vote for this!  
Posted Oct 1st, 2009 at 11:14PM
YES. Why didn,t you know that? Depression is a uniform disease. DISEASE means u are not at EASE. do you you think maybe you are deppresed. YOu Know MayBe you aRe.I got held in a mental institution till my mental health was confirmed. I got out next day.I can confirm through words that i am sane...Why do you ask for confirmation that you have lost the plot..Ask for help and you will receive ure wish..Try me i have been clinicaly depressed.but im not now.YYeeee HHaaaa.Love And Hugs
Rated: +1Vote for this!  
Posted Oct 2nd, 2009 at 12:22PM
To get a real and personal feel of how it feels to be depressed, read Cracked Teacups, by B.E. Moore. The main character is candid and honest about how she feels and her experience. I recommend to all.
Rated: +1Vote for this!  
   1-4 of 4 Answers   
Questions and Answers powered by Ask Experience Project. Get answers to questions from the world's largest collection of life experiences, and the people who have had them. A huge, friendly, and fast wiki of answered questions! This page is for providing answers to the question, Are There Any Universal, Unvarying Symptoms Of Clinical Depression?
Answers to questions like Are there any universal, unvarying symptoms of clinical depression? are provided for entertainment purposes only. You should never use answers to questions provided here to replace professional advice, such as from a doctor or lawyer.
Anonymous & Free
to join millions in the world's largest community of life experiences
Explore first-person stories about any experience, including your own! Connect anonymously with people who understand.
↓ ADVERTISEMENT ↓

Got Questions? We've Got Answers!
Ask Your Questions to members
who have been there and done that!
Share Your Knowledge
Learn Something New

Go Ask Experience Now!

Be YOURSELF

Be a part of the biggest social experience on the web. Where who you are is more important than who you know. Share what matters the most and find others who just "get it."

Join now and get started in seconds, or learn more about Experience Project

↓ ADVERTISEMENT ↓
Top Dreams
What were people dreaming about yesterday?
  1. Being Chased Dreams
  2. Death Dreams
  3. Relationships Dreams
  4. Dead Friend Dreams

Get Your Dream Interpreted

Of course, we love to hear Your Story, whatever it happens to be. You can be yourself here!

↓ ADVERTISEMENT ↓