Depression Symptoms Facts:
- An NIMH sponsored study of 9 to 17 year olds estimates that the prevalence of any depressive disorder is more than 6 percent in a six month period, with almost 5 percent having major depression.
- NIMH-sponsored studies estimate that 6 percent of 9- to 17-year-olds in the United States and almost 10 percent of American adults, or about 19 million people age 18 and older, experience some form of depression every year.
- The risk of developing bipolar disorder remains approximately equal for males and females throughout adolescence and adulthood.
Symptoms of Depression and Mania
Not everyone who is depressed or manic experiences every symptom. Some people experience only a few; some people suffer many. The severity of symptoms varies among individuals and also over time.
Depression
* Persistent sad, anxious, or empty mood.
* Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism.
* Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness.
* Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyable, including sex.
* Decreased energy, fatigue; feeling slowed down.
* Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions.
* Trouble sleeping, early morning awakening, or oversleeping.
* Changes in appetite and/or weight.
* Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts.
* Restlessness or irritability.
* Persistent physical symptoms, such as headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain that do not respond to routine treatment.
Mania
* Abnormal or excessive elation.
* Unusual irritability.
* Decreased need for sleep.
* Grandiose notions.
* Increased talking.
* Racing thoughts.
* Increased sexual desire.
* Markedly increased energy.
* Poor judgment.
* Inappropriate social behavior.
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