Clinical Depression Vs. a Bad Mood
Posted by Administrator in Mental Health.Depression, which affects people of all ages, income, race, and cultures, is a disturbance of mood and is characterized by a loss of interest or pleasure in normal everyday activities. People who are depressed may feel “down in the dumps” for weeks, months, or even years at a time. In the same 2 weeks, the patient has had 5 or more of the following symptoms, which are a definite change from usual functioning. Either depressed mood or decreased interest or pleasure must be one of the five:
Mood. For most of nearly every day, the patient reports depressed mood or appears depressed to others. Interests. For most of nearly every day, interest or pleasure is markedly decreased in nearly all activities (noted by the patient or by others). Eating and weight. Although not dieting, there is a marked loss or gain of weight (such as five percent in one month) or appetite is markedly decreased or increased nearly every day. Sleep. Nearly every day the patient sleeps excessively or not enough.
Motor activity. Nearly every day others can see that the patient’s activity is agitated or retarded. Fatigue. Nearly every day there is fatigue or loss of energy.
Self-worth. Nearly every day the patient feels worthless or inappropriately guilty. These feelings are not just about being sick; they may be delusional. Concentration. Noted by the patient or by others, nearly every day the patient is indecisive or has trouble thinking or concentrating. Read more