by Lisa Fillers

Created on: February 13, 2011

Clinical depression is a disease that is also known as major depression or major depressive disorder.  The symptoms can range from mild to very severe.  Left untreated, clinical depression can result in bodily harm to others or suicide.  In the United States, approximately 3.5% of those with clinical depression commit suicide.  At least sixty percent of those who commit suicide had depression or some form of mood disorder.

Major depressive symptoms do not manifest overnight and can slowly progress over a long period of time.  It is important to be aware of the symptoms of clinical depression and imperative if you notice these symptoms in yourself or a loved one you seek medical help immediately.  This cluster of symptoms was named, described, and classified as one of the mood disorders in the 1980 American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic manual.  It is a disabling condition that adversely affects all aspects of a person's life and general health.  Following is a list of the symptoms.  Be aware it only requires three of these symptoms to be diagnosed with clinical depression.

1.  Persistent feelings of sadness or unhappiness

2.  Irritability or frustration, even over small matters

3.  Loss of interest or pleasure in normal activities

4.  Insomnia or excessive sleeping

5.  Changes in appetite-loss of appetite and weight loss or increased cravings for food and weight gain

6.  Agitation or restlessness-marked by inability to sit still, pacing, wringing of hands or constant rubbing of arms or legs

7.  Inability to concentrate, memory loss, indecisiveness, and distractability

8.  Slowed thinking, speaking, or body movements

9.  Fatigue, tiredness, and loss of energy

10.  Loss of self-esteem, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, fixating on past failures or blaming yourself when things do not go right

11.  Reduced sex drive, lack of interest in sex

12.  Crying spells for no apparent reason

13.  Frequent thoughts of death, dying, or suicidal thoughts and actions

14.  Unexplained physical problems, such as back pain, neck pain, or headaches

A great many people are reluctant to seek help for symptoms of depression for fear of being stigmatized by society.  Some may fear invasive testing or being hospitalized against their wishes.  The good news is if treatment is sought early enough clinical depression can be treated with counseling and

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