Major Depression:
Defined as depressed mood or a marked loss of interest that is experienced most of the day, nearly every day, for two weeks of longer. At least five of the following eight symptoms are also present:
-
- Unexplained weight loss or weight gain; loss of appetite
- Insomnia or hypersomnia
- Psychomotor agitation or retardation
- atigue or loss of energy
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- Thoughts of death; suicidal ideation
- Loss of interest or pleasure in daily activities
Risk Factors For Major Depression
-
- Medications
- Concurrent medical disorder
- Life stressors and lack of social supports
- Prior episodes of depression
- Family history of depression
- History of suicide attempt
- Substance abuse
Common Complaint in Patients with Depression
-
- General – fatigue, anxiety, paranoia, apathy, weight loss, weakness
- Cardiac – chest pains, palpitations, fainting
- Pulmonary – shortness of breath
- Gastrointestinal – nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea/constipation
- Genitourinary – dysuria, frequency of urination, urgency, incontinence, sexual dysfunction
- Musculoskeletal – back pain
- Neurological – memory difficulty, loss of concentration, headache, dizziness
Created by:
LifeCare Advocates, 180 Wells Avenue,Suite 101,Newton, MA 02459, (617) 928-0200 www.lcadvocates.com
