Depression Essentials Series: Lesson 2 Symptoms of Depression
Welcome to the second class in our first chapter of “Depression Essentials Series”. Our last lesson was on general background of depression mainly on the prevalence of depression. Now, today we are going to dive into the core essentials: the symptoms of depression.
Without further ado, fellow students,
Lesson 2 begins
Symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder
What is it like to experience depression? What are its symptoms? Depression is more than just feeling sad, or having a rough patch, it changes how you function day-to-day. Although people going through an episode of depression may not experience all the symptoms, here are the most common symptoms of depression according to the Diagnostic Criteria for Major Depressive Disorder and Depressive Episodes:
long press to save the picture and zoom in for details
Symptom Differences in Men and Women
Depression can happen differently in men and women, even though they share the common signs and symptoms. By understanding the differences between depression in men and women, it can help those who are suffering. Below are charts taken from Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, giving the difference in symptoms for men and women, and also some common symptoms they both share :
long press to save the picture and zoom in for details
[4]
A New Perspective: Teenage Depression
According to the World Health Organization, “Worldwide 10-20% of children and adolescents experience mental disorders. Neuropsychiatric conditions are the leading cause of disability in young people in all regions.” [8] Although the signs and symptoms can be seen clearly in older ages, sometimes it can be difficult to tell whether teenagers are experiencing depression, or if it is behavior that is associated with teenage behavior.
From the official Help Guide for Parents to Teenage Depression, they advise: “A certain amount of moodiness and acting out is normal for the course with teens. But persistent changes in personality, mood, or behavior are red flags of a deeper problem. If you’re unsure if your child is depressed or just “being a teenager,” consider how long the symptoms have been going on, how severe they are, and how different your child is acting from his or her usual self. Hormones and stress can explain the occasional bout of teenage angst—but not continuous and unrelenting unhappiness lethargy, or irritability.” [5]
Severity of Depression Symptoms
Not all depression episodes are the same, so it is important to keep in mind that two people going through the same illness may experience different levels of severity in their symptoms.
The symptoms of depression are categorized into three levels: Mild, Moderate, and Severe. To understand what these mean, we will use a chart taken from the Diagnostic Criteria for Major Depressive Disorder and Depressive Episodes:
long press to save the picture and zoom in for details
Level of Severity | MAIN |
Mild | Having at least 1 symptom from Column A, AND also 1-2 symptoms from Column B. |
Moderate | Experiencing at least 1 symptoms from Column A, AND 2-3 symptoms from Column B |
Severe | ALL 3 from column A, AND more than 3 from Column B |
Level of Severity | ALTERNATIVE |
Mild | Having 5 to 6 symptoms from either column, but they are mild in severity and functional impairment |
Moderate | 7 to 8 symptoms from either column, but are moderate in functional impairment. |
Severe | Can have fewer symptoms, BUT, the person experiences severe functional impairment, or has a recent suicide plan or attempt with clear intent. |
[5]
What do we mean by moderate and severe impairment?
The symptoms that we experience with depression have an impact on our daily lives. How severe our symptoms are can also show how much it can affect the quality of our social life, our personal life, and also our relationships with ourselves.
[7]
Sometimes Depression Can Look Different but Similar
The circles above represent other conditions that can share the same symptoms as depression. It is important to know that depression can even happen at the same time as these conditions as well, and is equally as important to pay attention to.
Knowing that there are different levels of severity of symptoms in depression can help us all have a better understanding of why the same treatment can work differently for two people who are experiencing the same mental illness. Just because one treatment was effective for one person may not be the same for the other person, because they can be going through a different level of severity when it comes to depression.
Now that we know about the different levels of symptoms in depression, join us next class where we will talk about all of the different causes of depression. Class dismissed!
You can always come back to our class by clicking on “Learning-Classroom”, or go to our website for the archives under “Columns-Classroom”
References
1.http://ereidmiller.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/signs-and-symptoms-of-depression-anxiety-and-depression.jpg
2.http://mindyourmind.ca/sites/default/files/images/illness/Depression_Infographic.jpg
3.http://a3145z2.americdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/these-are-the-first-signs-of-depression-that-everyone-ignores.jpg
4.https://www.uspharmacist.com/article/women-and-depression-does-gender-matter-43010
5.http://www.helpguide.org/articles/depression/teen-depression-signs-help.htm
6.Diagnostic Criteriafor Major Depressive Disorder and Depressive Episodes
http://www.psnpaloalto.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Depression-Diagnostic-Criteria-and-Severity-Rating.pdf
7. University of Washington,PSychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
http://uwaims.org/nyscci/files/slides_dsm5-diffdiagnosis_2014-01-30.pdf
8.World HealthOrganization
http://www.who.int/mental_health/maternal-child/en/
CandleX
CandleX has the overall objective to increase awareness and knowledge of depression and bi-polar disorder, reduce social stigma attached, and to provide social support for those who are experiencing depression, mania and/or anxiety.
Contact Us
email: info@candlex.org
website: candlex.org
（long press the QR code for wechat account subscription)