According to the standard diagnosis guide (DSM-V) published by the American Psychiatric Association, depression is diagnosed when an individual is experiencing either a depressed mood or a loss of interest or pleasure plus four or more of the following depression symptoms during the same two-week period:
Significant weight loss (when not dieting) or weight gain (a change of more than five percent of body weight in a month)
Significant increase or decrease in appetite
Excessive sleepiness or insomnia
Agitation and restlessness
Fatigue or loss of energy nearly every day
Feelings of worthlessness or excessive and inappropriate guilt nearly every day
Diminished ability to think, concentrate, or make decisions
Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide
If you feel you are experiencing any of these depression symptoms, contact your doctor and speak with them about your depression treatment options.