CLINICALDEPRESSION

T H E S I G N S A N D S Y M P T O M S O F

Herrick Liptonherricklipton.com

Clinical depression is a

debilitating condition that often

occurs in conjunction with other

physical or mental health issues. It

affects over 10 million American

adults, as well as one in eight

adolescents.

ANOVERVIEW

Contrary to popular belief,

depression is not just

characterized by bouts of sadness.

It can make a person more

susceptible to heart problems,

self-harm, and death. It is

important to be able to recognize

signs of depression by knowing

the difference between sadness

and a more serious problem.

ANOVERVIEW

The symptoms associated with

clinical depression must be

present for two or more weeks in

order for the condition to be

accurately diagnosed.

DIAGNOSIS

A person suffering will experience

a depressed mood and a lack of

enjoyment or fulfillment. He or

she may appear to be lethargic on

a daily basis, be unable to make

decisions, report anhedonia, and

have recurring suicidal ideations.

A feeling of hopelessness is an

indicator of depression.

DEPRESSEDMOOD

A person with depression can

either lose his or her appetite

entirely, or compensate for the

lack of feeling by overeating.

Furthermore, clinical depression

will affect sleep cycles and mood,

which can lead to a lack of

concentration, and to physical

aches that have no explanation.

DEPRESSEDMOOD

The severity of the symptoms

depends on what kind of

depression a person is

experiencing, but the symptoms

themselves are standard across

the board. The four types are as

follows:

TYPES OFDEPRESSION

This can can tether an individual

to his or her bed for days. He or

she will not see the point of eating,

moving, or maintaining personal

hygiene. This form of depression

is one in which suicide is least

likely, simply because the

depressed person does not have

the energy to get out of bed.

MAJORDEPRESSIVEDISORDER

This is is a type of relentless, low-

grade depression. It is

characterized by feeling

moderately depressed most days

for two years at least, and by a

difficulty remembering times in

which you felt better.

Unfortunately, the rate of suicide

and self harm is higher in this

category.

DYSTHYMIA

This is a type of depression

characterized by intense mood

swings known as hypomania or

mania, followed by depression.

These shifts can occur anywhere

from a few times a year to a few

times a week.

BIPOLARDISORDER

This is a disorder in which a

person experiences symptoms of

depression only during specific

seasons. It is most common in the

winter, although it can be present

in other seasons as well.

SEASONALAFFECTIVEDISORDER