Self-Screening for Depression

article syndicated from Wing of Madness
updated on 04/10/2006 at 11:59AM

"I am the most miserable man living. If what I feel were equally distributed to the whole human family, there would not be a cheerful face on earth. Whether I shall ever be better I cannot tell; I awfully forbode I shall not. To remain as I am is impossible. I must die or be better." - Abraham Lincoln

If five or more of the following symptoms have been present in either you or someone you know for more than two weeks, please talk to your doctor about the possibility of depression being present. Keep in mind that these symptoms could indicate a medical condition other than depression.

Depression Symptoms

Feelings of sadness and/or irritability
Loss of interest or pleasure in activities normally enjoyed
Changes in weight or appetite
Changes in sleeping pattern
Feelings of guilt, hopelessness, or worthlessness
Inability to concentrate, remember things, or make decisions
Constant fatigue or loss of energy
Observable restlessness or decreased activity
Recurrent thoughts of suicide or death

In addition, look for at least three of the following symptoms, which could indicate the manic phase of manic-depression:

Inflated ego, envisioning of grand schemes
Increased energy and decreased need for sleep
Inappropriate excitement or irritability
Increased talking and/or moving
Sexual promiscuity
Disconnected and racing thoughts
Impulsive behavior and poor judgment

Article syndicated from Wing of Madnes:
http://www.wingofmadness.com/information/screen.htm