Here is a list of the most common psychological, physical and social symptoms that depression can cause. If you have experienced several of these symptoms persistently for more than 2 weeks you should speak to your doctor. You should not diagnose yourself and a diagnosis can not be made by a friend or family member. Only a properly trained health professional can determine if you have depression.
Psychological symptoms:
- Continuous low / ‘blue' mood or sadness
- Feelings of hopelessness and helplessness
- Low self-esteem, ·tearfulness
- Feelings of guilt
- Feeling irritable and intolerance of others
- Poor motivation and poor interest / difficulty making decisions
- Lack of enjoyment
- Suicidal thoughts / thoughts of harming someone else
- Anxiety / obsessive worries, acts, ruminations, or images
- Reduced sex drive
Physical Symptoms:
- Slowed movement / speech
- Change in appetite / weight (usually decreased but sometimes increased) / constipation
- Unexplained aches and pains
- Lack of energy / lack of interest in sex
- Menstrual disturbance
Social symptoms:
- Poor work performance
- Reduced social activities and contact with friends
- Reduced hobbies and interests
- Difficulties in home and family life
Some of the symptoms associated with the manic cycle in bipolar disorder are:
- Abnormal or excessive elation
- Unusual irritability
- Decreased need for sleep
- Grandiose notions
- Increased talking
- Racing thoughts
- Increased sexual desire
- Markedly increased energy
- Poor judgment
- Inappropriate social behaviour
Some medications as well as certain medical conditions can cause the same symptoms as depression, so a thorough physical and psychological assessment should be made before a diagnosis is given to rule out any underlying causes.
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
