Symptoms of depression (from the ancient Greek. Σύμπτομα - case, coincidence) are separate signs of the manifestation of the disease. Depression is a serious mental disorder, which is expressed in a bad mood, longing and pessimistic view of life. The disease is able to progress and even lead to serious consequences, and therefore requires treatment. Our site has prepared a complete list of symptoms so that you do not miss the disease in yourself or your loved ones.
The first signs of the disease
In the international classification of diseases ICD-10 depression has the code F32 - Depressive episode.
Symptoms of a depressive episode:
- Bad mood
- Reluctance to activity
- Loss of joy, pleasure and concentration
- Palpable fatigue
- Fall in self-esteem and self-confidence
- Thoughts about your own uselessness and stupidity
- Sleep and appetite disorder
- Problems with libido
- Severe psychomotor retardation
If depressive episodes recur, then, according to ICD-10, this is already a recurrent depressive disorder, code F33. The first episode can occur at any age, from childhood to old age. Its beginning can be acute or imperceptible, and the duration can vary from several weeks to several months.
There is a recurrent depressive disorder of mild, moderate and severe, depending on the number of symptoms and their intensity.
Symptoms of depression in the diagnosis
In psychiatry (clinical psychology, psychotherapy) there is the so-called depressive triad, which includes three main symptoms:
- Constantly worsening mood
- Inhibited thinking
- Decreased physical activity
For approval of the diagnosis of "depression" - you need at least two symptoms out of three and three more additional symptoms, any of the ones discussed below.
All symptoms of depression
The list of symptoms of depression is almost endless. Depression is many-sided and can manifest itself in any aspect of the life and personality of the person sick. We list all the known symptoms, conditionally dividing them into two blocks: mental and physical (in reality, the symptoms are highly dependent on each other and reinforce each other).
Mental symptoms of depression:
- Sadness It covers all areas of life and does not retreat a single step.
- Disappointment. In yourself, life, work and others
- Despair. In the future there will be nothing good. Only bad and death
- Chronic anxiety. For any reason, and the worst - for no reason
- Lack of faith in yourself and low self-esteem. In depression, a person does not love himself and does not like himself. Considers that no matter what
- Suicidal thoughts Suicide is seen as the deliverance from the torment and the deliverance of the world from the worthless self. Manifesting severe depression
- The need for solitude. Unwillingness to communicate and company
- Guilt. Arises on the background of low self-esteem. In all the problems and troubles (which may not be) a person blames himself
- Feeling of emptiness inside. Lack of feelings and emotions. It’s like a huge black hole inside.
- Emotional swing. Mood swings with different amplitudes
Physical symptoms of depression:
- Inhibited thinking and movements. A person hardly makes decisions, answers questions. Household tasks become difficult and energy-consuming.
- Static facial expressions. The face of depression is static, full of despair
- Problems with sleep and appetite. A decrease or increase is harmful both.
- Protopopov's Triad: constipation, dilated pupils, increased heart rate. Sometimes there are changes on the skin: dryness, pallor, a sharp formation of wrinkles. Hair can fall out and peel off nails.
- Chronic pains: headaches, hearts, joints, etc.
- Lack of interest in sex. The development of impotence or early menopause
- Addictive behavior - taking alcohol, drugs. The desire to escape from reality
Depression is not a passing sadness, but a serious mental disorder. Of course, two or three symptoms will not be enough to make a diagnosis. In some cases, you may need long-term observation, a detailed survey, analysis of events of the recent past, and even consultation with other specialists.
Our site strongly recommends not to be afraid of going to a doctor and not thinking in stereotypes like “I will not go to a psychotherapist, I'm not crazy”.
Also recommends reading the following articles:
Depression is curable. Life after treatment of depression is reset and can become much better and more interesting. Love life and yourself!
