Do I Have Symptoms of Depression?
If you've come this far, you may be wondering if you or someone you know has MDD or bipolar disorder. Remember: If you have experienced the symptoms described below, talk to your doctor right away.
People have different experiences of depression. Not everyone who is depressed or manic experiences every symptom. Some people experience a few symptoms, some many. Some people experience more severe symptoms than others and some symptoms come-and-go over time.
| Symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder |
Symptoms of Mania |
- Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood
- Feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, pessimism, guilt, worthlessness
- Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed, including sex
- Decreased energy and fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions
- Sleep problems including insomnia, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
- Appetite and/or weight loss or overeating and weight gain
- Restlessness
- Irritability
- Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain
- Thoughts of death or suicide
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- Abnormal or excessive elation
- Markedly increased energy
- Markedly decreased need for sleep
- Unusual or excessive irritability
- Markedly racing thoughts
- Markedly increased talking
- Grandiose ideas and schemes
- Markedly increased sexual desire
- Poor judgment
- Excessive and/or inappropriate behavior
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Our next section offers tips on how to prepare for a visit to your doctor.