In the United States today, psychological symptoms are organized into diagnostic categories written by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) and currently known as DSM IV criteria. These categories are pragmatic constructs and do not capture the richness of mental and emotional life. However, they are useful in determining whether medication might reduce your symptoms and, if so, which medications should be tried. One broad category is mood disorders.
There are several sub-categories of mood disorders described by the APA. The most common are major depression and dysthymia (a chronic, but less intense form of depression) . Bipolar disorder is another sub-category and is characterized by symptoms that can include an elated, euphoric or irritable mood; increased energy and talking; distractibility; racing thoughts; decreased need for sleep and poor judgment. Bipolar disorder can also produce depressive symptoms similar to those of major depression.
The depressive symptoms of bipolar disorder are essentially the same as for major depression. This lesson deals primarily with major depression and dysthymia.
Basic criteria for major depression are (literally) one symptom from column A and four symptoms from column B, lasting for at least two weeks.
Criteria for Major Depression
Column A (must include 1 of these)
Column B (must include 4 of these)
Feeling depressed (down, sad, blue, hopeless) most of the day and almost every day. It can evolve gradually over a few weeks or suddenly after great stress.
Loss of interest and pleasure in things that are usually interesting and pleasurable; this can be partial or complete. Some people may not be able to feel better no matter what the circumstances; others may periodically respond to positive things by feeling better.
Loss of appetite and/or weight loss without dieting or medical cause, or increase in appetite and/or undesired weight gain.
Insomnia (waking up early and not being able to fall back asleep; difficulty falling asleep), or sleeping too much.
Being slowed down physically or mentally. You and other people notice that it takes you longer than usual to accomplish activities.
Being agitated (restless, can't sit still, pacing, wringing hands, rubbing head).
Fatigue; loss of energy.
Feeling excessively guilty or worthless.
Difficulty in concentrating. Feeling that your thinking is slowed down. Increased difficulty in making small decisions.
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