Depression - Symptoms Not everyone who is depressed or manic experiences every symptom. Some people experience a few symptoms, some many. Also, severity of symptoms varies with individuals. SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION Persistent sad or "empty" mood Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that you once enjoyed, including sex Insomnia, early-morning waking or oversleeping Appetite and/or weight loss, or overeating and weight gain Decreased energy, fatigue, being "slowed down" Thoughts of death or suicide; suicide attempts Restlessness, irritability Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions Excessive crying Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain SYMPTOMS OF MANIA INCLUDE Inappropriate elation Inappropriate irritability Severe insomnia Grandiose notions Increased talking Disconnected and racing thoughts Increased sexual drive Markedly increased energy Poor judgment Inappropriate social behavior A less severe type of depression, dysthymia, involves long-term, chronic symptoms that do not disable, but keep you from functioning at "full steam" or from feeling good. Sometimes people with dysthymia also experience major depressive episodes. Another type of depressive illness is manic depressive illness each year, also called bipolar depression. Not nearly as prevalent as other forms of depressive illnesses, manic-depressive illness involves cycles of depression and elation or mania. Sometimes the mood switches are dramatic and rapid, but most often they are gradual. When in the depressed cycle, you can have any or all of the symptoms of a depressive illness. When in the manic cycle, any or all symptoms listed under mania may be experienced. Mania often affects thinking, judgment, and social behavior in ways that cause serious problems and embarrassment. For example, unwise business or financial decisions may be made when in a manic phase. NIMH Publication                    RECOMMENDED READING FROM THE PSYSTORE: Depression: The Mood Disease (Johns Hopkins Health Book) by Francis Mark, MD Mondimore Our Price: $12.76 "In this newly revised book, Mondimore explores the many faces of an illness that will affect as many as 36 million Americans at some point in their lives and tells readers exactly what they need to know about the causes, symptoms, and treatment of depression. Includes detailed descriptions of medications and more." -- Synopsis For a selection of books on this topic, visit the Psystore. ** All prices subject to change without notice