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Most people experience periods of depression off and on throughout life. We all have days when we feel \u201cblue\u201d or \u201cdown,\u201d and these distressing times usually pass. Also, the death of someone close can involve feelings, called bereavement, that are similar to symptoms of depression.<\/p>\n
Major Depressive Disorder is another matter, and it usually requires psychological treatment. Characteristic of this disorder is at least one Major Depressive Episode .<\/p>\n
A Major Depressive Episode has the following characteristic symptoms:
\n\u2022 Depressed mood. Note, however, that children and adolescents tend to show signs of irritability rather than depressed mood.
\n\u2022 Anhedonia; i.e., a lack of interest in usually enjoyable things
\n\u2022 Weight loss or loss of appetite (although some individuals overeat because of depression)
\n\u2022 Trouble sleeping
\n\u2022Psychomotor Changes: Retardation (e.g., slowed speech, thinking, or movement) Agitation (e.g., inability to sit still; pacing)
\n\u2022 Fatigue, or lack of energy (e.g., staying in bed most of the day)
\n\u2022 Feelings of extreme worthlessness or guilt
\n\u2022 Trouble concentrating
\n\u2022Thoughts of death, or feeling suicidal<\/p>\n
Do not ignore these symptoms.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Most people experience periods of depression off and on throughout life. We all have days when we feel \u201cblue\u201d or \u201cdown,\u201d and these distressing times usually pass. Also, the death of someone close can involve feelings, called bereavement, that are similar to symptoms of depression. Major Depressive Disorder is another matter, and it usually requires … <\/p>\n