SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION

1. Persistent sadness, anxiety or empty mood
2. Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism
3. Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness
4. Loss of interest or pleasure in ordinary activities
5. Loss of interest in sex
6. Sleep disturbance (insomnia, early morning awakening, oversleeping)
7. Appetite disturbance (loss of appetite, voracious eating, weight loss/gain)
8. Decreased energy, fatigue, feeling/acting slowed down
9. Thoughts of suicide or death, suicide attempt
10. Restlessness, irritability
11. Difficulty concentrating, paying attention
12. Increased headaches, stomachaches and/or vague physical complaints

Depression may be masked by alcohol or drug abuse, or by physical symptomatology such as chronic headaches, pain, digestive disorders.

SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION IN CHILDREN

In addition to above symptoms for adults, add:

1. Frequent boredom
2. Withdrawal
3. Brooding
4. Hyperactivity or hypoactivity
5. Lowered school performance
6. Acting out (misbehaving, sexual, substances, aggression)
7. Increase in arguments with authority figures
8. Recurrence of previous problems such as bed wetting, separation anxiety, etc.

Joe Peraino, Ph.D. works as a professional coach and psychologist. Contact him at joe@joeperaino.com.