9 Symptoms of Clinical Depression: Understanding the Signs

The symptoms of depression – technically known as major depressive disorder (also known as major depression (MDD) or clinical depression) – are characterized by an overwhelming sense of sadness, isolation, and despair that lasts for two weeks or more.

Depression isn't just an occasional feeling of sadness or loneliness like most people experience from time to time. Instead, a person suffering from depression feels as if they have sunk into a deep, dark hole from which there is no way out – and little or no hope that things will ever change (ref. PsychCentral).

9 Symptoms of Clinical Depression (MDD)

What is Depression (MDD)?

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is characterized by a persistently low or depressed mood, a loss of interest or pleasure in activities (anhedonia), feelings of guilt or worthlessness, lack of energy, poor concentration, appetite changes, psychomotor retardation or agitation, sleep disturbances, and suicidal thoughts.

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5), an individual must exhibit at least five of these symptoms to be diagnosed with MDD. One of these symptoms must be either a depressed mood or anhedonia. These symptoms must cause significant social or occupational impairment. Additionally, it is crucial to rule out a history of manic or hypomanic episodes before diagnosing MDD. (Note: Children and adolescents with MDD may present with an irritable mood rather than a depressed one.) [Ref. NCBI Bookshelf]

Learn more here about Major Depression (Clinical Depression): Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Symptoms Breakdown

A person suffering from major depressive disorder (sometimes referred to as clinical depression or just depression) has experienced either a depressed mood or a loss of interest or enjoyment in daily activities for a period of at least two weeks. This depressed mood must represent a significant change from the person's normal everyday mood.

Social, occupational, educational, or other important functioning must also be adversely affected by the change in mood. For example, when a person who is depressed starts missing work or school or stops attending classes or their usual social commitments (like hanging out with friends).

Clinical depression is characterized by the presence of 5 or more of these depressive symptoms:

1. Depressed mood most of the day, almost every day, as indicated either by a subjective report (e.g., feeling sad, blue, "down", or empty) or by observations of others (e.g., appears to be whiny or crying). (In children and adolescents, this may represent an irritable or quirky mood rather than a sad mood).

2. Significantly decreased interest or enjoyment in all or almost all activities of daily living, such as no interest in hobbies, sports, or other things the person used to enjoy doing.

3. Significant weight loss without dieting, or weight gain (e.g., a change in body weight of more than 5 percent in one month), or a decrease or increase in appetite almost daily.

4. Insomnia (inability to fall asleep or difficulty falling asleep) or hypersomnia (sleeping too much) almost every day. Read more here: Depression and Sleeping Too Little or Too Much.

5. Psychomotor agitation (e.g., restlessness, step control, or picking at clothes) or psychomotor retardation (e.g., slowing down of movements, speaking very softly with slow speech).

6. Fatigue, lethargy, or loss of energy almost every day - even the smallest tasks, like getting dressed or washing up, seem difficult and take longer than usual. Learn here: Why Depression Makes You Tired and How to Deal With Fatigue.

7. Feelings of hopelessness or helplessness (like there’s nothing the person can do to feel better), worthlessness, or excessive or inappropriate guilt almost every day (e.g., regurgitating minor past omissions).

8. Decreased ability to think or concentrate, or indecisiveness, almost every day (e.g., seems easily distracted, complains of memory problems).

9. Recurring thoughts of death (not just the fear of dying), recurring thoughts of suicide without a specific plan, attempting suicide, or having a specific plan to commit suicide.

Additional Symptoms

In addition to the core symptoms, depression can also manifest through:

• Changes in libido
• Physical pain or aches
• Digestive issues

Recognizing these less common symptoms can help individuals understand a wider range of depressive experiences.

Treatment Options

Treatment for depression can vary, including:

• Medication: Antidepressants are often prescribed to help balance chemicals in the brain.

• Therapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and other forms of therapy can provide coping mechanisms and strategies to manage symptoms. Learn here: How To Find a Therapist for Your Depression.

• Lifestyle Changes: Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and adequate sleep can also improve symptoms.

• Alternative Therapies: Some individuals find relief through alternative treatments such as acupuncture, meditation, and yoga. Find here: 10 Ways to Cope with Depression without Meds.

• Support Groups: Connecting with others who have similar experiences can provide comfort and advice.

Stigma and Misconceptions

Addressing common misconceptions about depression and the stigma surrounding mental health is crucial. Misunderstandings can prevent people from seeking help. Depression is not a sign of weakness or something that one can simply "snap out of." It is a medical condition that requires appropriate treatment and support.

Prevention and Early Intervention

Early intervention can be crucial in managing depression. Some strategies include:

• Recognizing Early Signs: Identifying symptoms like persistent sadness, loss of interest, or changes in sleep patterns early can lead to quicker intervention.

• Stress Management: Techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, and regular exercise can help manage stress levels. Discover 10 effective stress-busting strategies here.

• Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Maintaining a balanced diet, regular sleep schedule, and physical activity can contribute to overall mental well-being.

Resources

For those seeking help, the following resources can be invaluable:

• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
• Mental Health America (MHA)
• Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

Read also:

• Frequently Asked Questions about Depression, Answered
• How to Deal With Depression: Basics and Beyond

Depression and Sadness

In accordance with the updates to the criteria for major depressive disorders in the DSM-5 (the most recent diagnostic manual for diagnosing mental disorders), a person may experience a major depressive episode during a period of mourning or bereavement, such as after the loss of a loved one.

This is a significant change from previous diagnostic criteria, which did not make a diagnosis of major depression if the person was grieving a significant loss in their life. This change was made on the grounds that bereavement can bring great distress to some people, such that it can trigger an episode of major depressive disorder.

In other words, it is not normal for the symptoms of bereavement to produce significant functional impairment, a morbid preoccupation with worthlessness, suicidal thoughts, psychotic symptoms, or psychomotor retardation (a slowing down of a person's physical movements) for two months or more.

Thus, when they occur together, the depressive symptoms and functional impairment are usually more severe and the prognosis is worse than in bereavement that is not associated with major depressive disorder.

Bereavement-related depression usually occurs in people with other predispositions to depressive disorders, and recovery may be facilitated with antidepressant treatment.

Learn here the differences between grief, sadness, and depression, exploring how they manifest, their underlying causes, and ways to navigate through them

Conclusion

Depression is also experienced as a loss of interest and energy in things the person normally enjoys doing, such as working, going out, or being with family and friends. Most people with this condition also have trouble eating and sleeping – either too much or too little. A depressed person's memory and ability to concentrate are also often impaired; they may also be more irritable or feel restless all the time.