What Are The Most Common Signs and Symptoms of Depression?

Dr. Koening answers the question: 'Common Signs And Symptoms Of Depression?'

ByABC News
November 18, 2008, 4:37 PM

— -- Question: What are the most common signs and symptoms of depression?

Answer: The most common signs and symptoms of depression are sad mood, inability to experience pleasure, problems with sleep either sleeping too much or not being able to sleep, especially waking up early in the morning.

There is also problems with eating -- there's either a loss of appetite or the person might eat excessively and gain unusual amounts of weight. There's a difficulty in the ability to concentrate. There's trouble with regard to feeling guilty and feeling worthless and like a burden on others.

And, of course, there is the concern about suicidal thoughts and feelings where the person feels so sad, so depressed, so trapped in these negative emotions that they would consider killing themself rather than to continue living.

Next: What Is The Difference Between Depression And Sadness?

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