This is the name doctors give to what we commonly called “clinical depression.” This means that someone has at least five of the symptoms listed below for two consecutive weeks.
Symptoms can include:
- Depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day
- Diminished interest or pleasure in activities that were previously enjoyed
- Changes in appetite that result in weight losses or gains
- Changes in sleeping patterns
- Loss of energy or increased fatigue
- Restlessness or irritability
- Feelings of anxiety
- Feelings of worthlessness, helplessness, or hopelessness
- Inappropriate guilt
- Difficulty thinking, concentrating, or making decisions
- Thoughts of death or attempts at suicide
