Major Depression and Dysthymic disorder

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MAJOR DEPRESSION (Sometimes referred to as clinical depression)

Symptoms will be present for a minimum of two weeks.
For a diagnosis of major depression, one of the five symptoms must include either depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure

Symptoms of Major Depression

1) Appetite - a change in appetite

Over or under eating
Non-intentional weight loss or weight gain

2) Sleep Issues

Sleeping too much or two little
Experiencing early morning awakenings
Difficulty falling asleep
Awakening in the middle of the night
Feeling fatigued

3) Mood

Profound sadness
Depressed mood

4) Depressed Thinking

Suicidal thoughts
Feeling worthless or hopeless
Excessive guilt
Recurring thoughts of death
Difficulty making decisions
Negative view of self
Slowed thinking

5) Change in Activity Level

Agitation
Being lethargic
Low energy level
Loss of interest or pleasure in activities that one used to find enjoyable

DYSTHYMIC DISORDER: Depressed mood for most of the day, more days than not, as indicated by subjective account or observation by others for a minimum of a two-year period. If there was any remission form the depressed mood, it was for a period no longer than two months.

poor appetite or overeating
Insomnia or hypersomnia (sleeping too little or too much)
Low energy or fatigue
Low Self Esteem
Poor concentration or difficulty making decisions
Feelings of hopelessness

by Center for Growth, Inc