for seniors
A Depression Symptoms
Checklist
Check any symptoms experienced for more than 2 weeks. If four or more of the symptoms
for depression or mania have been checked, physical and psychological evaluation by a
physician and/or mental health specialist should be sought.
Symptoms of Depression:
- A persistent sad, anxious or "empty" mood
- Loss of interest or pleasure in ordinary activities, including sex
- Decreased energy, fatigue, feeling "slowed down"
- Sleep problems (insomnia, oversleeping, early-morning waking)
- Eating problems (loss of appetite or weight, weight gain)
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
- Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
- Thoughts of death or suicide; a suicide attempt
- Irritability
- Excessive crying
- Recurring aches and pains that don't respond to treatment
If someone has recently experienced a loss, these feelings may be part of a normal
grief reaction. But, if the feelings persist with no lifting mood, the person may need
professional treatment.
These symptoms may range from moderate to severe. When mania is moderate, only people
close to the affected person may be able to spot the symptoms.
Symptoms of Mania
- Excessively "high" mood
- Irritability
- Decreased need for sleep
- Increased energy
- Increased talking, moving, and sexual activity
- Racing thoughts
- Disturbed ability to make decisions
- Grandiose notions
- Being easily distracted
top | depression symptoms similar to other medical
conditions
types of depression
| symptoms checklist | treatments
advocacy for depression
general depression | suicide facts | co-occurrence
of depression | research
in adolescents | in
women | in older adults | employers | send to friend |
