Women and Depression
SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION AND MANIA
A thorough diagnostic evaluation is needed if five or more of the following symptoms
persist for more than two weeks, or if they interfere with work or family life. An
evaluation involves a complete physical checkup and information-gathering on family health
history.
Not everyone with depression experiences each of these symptoms. The severity of the
symptoms also varies from person to person.
Depression
- Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities, including sex
- Restlessness, irritability, or excessive crying
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness, hopelessness, pessimism
- Sleeping too much or too little, early-morning awakening
- Appetite and/or weight loss or overeating and weight gain
- Decreased energy, fatigue, feeling "slowed down"
- Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
- Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches,
digestive disorders, and chronic pain
Mania
- Abnormally elevated mood
- Irritability
- Severe insomnia
- Grandiose notions
- Increased talking
- Racing thoughts
- Increased activity, including sexual activity
- Markedly increased energy
- Poor judgement that leads to risk-taking behavior
- Inappropriate social behavior
Some people mistakenly try to "reduce their" depressive symptoms through
alcohol or other mood-altering drugs, while such drugs may provide temporary relief, they
will eventually complicate the depressive disorder and its treatment, and can lead to
dependence and the life problems that come with it.
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