How to Identify a Major Depressive Episode
Are you, or someone you know, suffering from depression? Learn more here about the signs and symptoms that can help you determine if you might be in the midst of a depressive episode. If the signs and symptoms are present, please seek professional help for you or your loved one.
A Major Depressive Episode will contain five or more the sym ptoms below within a two-week period, and is a change for this individual from their normal state. Symptoms must include either (or both) 1) depressed mood 2) loss of pleasure or interest.
Note: Do not include any symptoms that are caused by a medical condition, delusions or hallucinations.
Person is depressed most of the day and this happens nearly every day.
Significantly reduced pleasure or interest in most or all activities the bulk of the day, most days.
Increase or decrease in weight of 5% or more within a month. Or a noticeable increase or decrease in appetite almost every day.
Trouble sleeping or oversleeping nearly every day.
Feeling either slowed down or restless nearly everyday.
Reduced energy almost everyday.
Inappropriate guilt or feeling worthless nearly every day.
Trouble thinking, deciding or concentrating almost everyday.
Repeated thoughts of suicide (with or without a plan) or general recurring thoughts of death.
Note: The collection of symptoms have not met the criteria for a Mixed Episode.
The symptoms cause problems or impairment in the person’s life (work, social, or other significant areas).
Symptoms cannot be due to a medical condition or substance.
Person symptoms are not better accounted for by Grief/Bereavement.
The above is not to be construed as counseling, and/or consulting or medical advice. Always consult with a licensed professional.
By: Paul Cline (www.AdvancedTrainingSeminars.com)
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