What is depression?

Symptoms and complications of depression

Although we all feel sad sometimes, clinical (major) depression is diagnosed when a person experiences depressed mood (sadness), loss of interest or pleasure in daily activities, plus 5 of the following symptoms for at least 2 weeks:

• changes in appetite or weight
• slowed reactions
• lack of motivation or energy
• insomnia (trouble sleeping) or chronic oversleeping
• noticeable changes in activity level (agitated or slowed down)
• feelings of worthlessness or guilt
• difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• recurring thoughts of death or suicide

Clinical depression may vary in its severity, and in its extreme forms (i.e., thoughts of suicide) can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.

Symptoms of other forms of depression, although generally milder, may still negatively affect a person's daily activities and quality of life.

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