Understanding Signs and Symptoms of Depression
We are commonly asked by patients, “what are the signs and symptoms of depression?” The answer might seem simple, but in reality, the answer is quite complex. Symptoms and severity of symptoms of depression vary from person to person, and some people have more noticeable symptoms than others. Many people may be depressed, and it may not be obvious to themselves or those around them. A depressed person may try to “put on a face”, or attempt to hide how they are feeling from others, even loved ones. Because of this, it can also be challenging for healthcare providers to recognize symptoms of depression in patients. That’s why it’s so important to be open and honest about your emotional concerns with your doctor.
Because depression is so common but not always easily recognizable, healthcare providers are trained to be vigilant in identifying symptoms of depression in our patients, and there are various helpful tools that are used. You may have noticed this at a recent clinic visit, as pre-visit screening questionnaires are a popular and effective tool for screening for mental health conditions. If a score is concerning or abnormal, we can address the issue further during the visit.
Symptoms of Depression
Symptoms of depression can vary greatly, depending on the patient. The Diagnostic Statistical Manual for Mental Health Conditions (DSM-V) lists the specific medical criteria for diagnosing Major Depressive Disorder. It specifies having at least 5 of the following symptoms for most of the time over a 2-week period:
• Depressed mood most of the day, or nearly every day
• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities
• Significant weight loss or weight gain
• Insomnia or hypersomnia
• Psychomotor agitation or retardation
• Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
• Diminished ability to think or concentrate
• Recurrent thoughts of death or thoughts of suicide
As you can see, depressed mood and loss of interest in activities aren’t the only symptoms of depression. It is common to see patients experiencing increased irritability, difficulty with concentration, and sleep problems. Physical manifestations of mental health conditions can also make diagnosis difficult, but are nonetheless important to be aware of. These can include loss of appetite, changes in weight, tiredness or lack of energy, slowed movements, unexplained aches and pains, digestive problems, and low sex drive.
Seek Help
If you recognize signs of symptoms of depression in yourself or others, please talk about it; don’t ignore it. At Northwest Family Clinics, our healthcare providers are well trained at diagnosing and treating a variety of mental health conditions in children and adults. We work together with our patients to formulate an effective treatment plan that is tailored to each patient. Make an appointment with a Northwest Family Clinics healthcare provider today.