DEPRESSION (Diagnostic criteria)

The American Psychiatric Association uses the following symptoms to distinguish among the different types of depression.

Major Depressive Episodes:
Five or more of these symptoms must persist most of the time for two weeks:

1. Overall depressed mood.
2. Diminished interest in or pleasure from most of the activities.
3. Significant weight loss or gain.
4. Insomnia or excessive sleepiness.
5. Hyperactivity or lethargy.
6. Persistent fatigue.
7. Feelings of worthlessness or guilt.
8. Inability to concentrate or make decisions.
9. Recurrent thoughts of suicide or pre-occupation with death.

Manic Episodes:
Three or more of the following must prevail for atleast one week:

1. Inflated self esteem or grandiosity.
2. Decreased need of sleep.
3. Excessive talkativeness.
4. Racing thoughts and ideas.
5. Easily distracted.
6. Hyperactivity, especially in achieving goals, which may be unrealistic.
7. Excessive pursuit of risky activities, such as sexual indiscretions or gambling.

Dynamic Disorders:
Two or more of the following prevail for at least two years in an adult or one year in a child or adolescent.

1. Poor appetite or overeating.
2. Insomnia or excessive sleepiness.
3. Low energy or fatigue.
4. Low self esteem.
5. Poor concentration or difficulty in making decisions.
6. Feeling of hopelessness.