GPS: Therapy: Depression Recognition

How to Recognize Clinical Depression
(last updated February, 2003)

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There are different types of depressive disorders, including bipolar illnesses, major depressive disorders, and chronic, low-level depressive conditions. The following are typical indications that an individual may be experiencing depression:

1. feelings of sadness, emptiness, flat mood, loneliness, or depression.

2. loss of interest in or pleasure in activities, withdrawal from activities and people.

3. significant weight loss or gain.

4. significant change in sleep pattern (excessive sleep or difficulty sleeping).

5. agitation, nervousness, anxiety.

6. considerable fatigue or loss of energy.

7. feelings of guilt or worthlessness.

8. difficulty with concentration and focus.

9. thoughts of death or suicide.

People who are depressed often experience physical symptoms, such as headaches, sleep disturbance or fatigue, and do not recognize these as indicative of depression. There is also a great deal of overlap among the experience of depression and anxiety.