Diagnosis of Depression

For a diagnosis of depression, a person needs to have experienced low mood or loss of interest or pleasure in life for at least 2 weeks.

Also, they will have experienced at least five of the following symptoms:

• feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or irritability nearly every day

• a lack of interest or pleasure in activities almost every day

• significant weight loss, or a change of appetite that results in weight loss or gain of 5% of body weight within a month

• sleeping too much or too little

• psychomotor agitation

• restlessness, or feelings of having “slowed down”

• fatigue, or a lack of energy, nearly every day

• feelings of worthlessness or excessive and unexplained guilt almost every day

• difficulty thinking clearly, concentrating, or making routine decisions

• thoughts of death, self-harm, or suicide

Agitation can be one sign of depression. What others might occur? Learn more here.

Agitation

Symptoms of agitation include:

• angry outbursts

• disruptive or impulsive behavior

• excessive talking or movement

• difficulty sitting still

• problems with focusing or having a conversation

• pacing or shuffling the feet

• tension, anxiety, and irritability

• wringing the hands or clenching the fists

Symptoms can appear suddenly or over time. They can also range from a nagging sense of unease to aggression.

If agitation leads to impulsive or aggressive behavior, it could result in harm to the person or to others.

Frequent agitation can affect a person’s:

• relationships

• work or school performance

• overall health and safety