Symptoms

Many symptoms could be indicative of depression but the most prominent are

• depressed mood (sadness.)
• lack of interest
• tiredness and lack of energy

Other symptoms of depression include

• pessimism
• inability to feel joy
• nervousness
• anxiety
• confusion
• inability to make decisions
• worrying over trivial matters
• tiredness
• difficulty in concentrating
• lack of energy
• reduced self-confidence
• feelings of guilt
• poor memory
• slow and languid movements and slow speech
• reduced appetite
• sleep disturbances
• physical aches and pains
• fear of diseases (hypochondria)
• suicidal thoughts

Comorbid depression

It is also important to note that a serious physical disease increases the risk of developing depression. Depression that occurs in someone with a serious physical disease is called a comorbid depression.

Even though the above symptoms are the most prominent, there are a number of other symptoms which are characteristic of depression. Together the symptoms create a pattern and this pattern is the basis for doctors being able to make the diagnosis.

In most cases of depression it is often the people closest to the patient who first notice the symptoms. If you are concerned that someone in your family or circle of friends (or yourself) may be suffering from depression please encourage them to contact their doctor.

In this section you can read more about the individual symptoms.