Depression: Symptoms and Signs

Depression is a common medical condition with very specific symptoms. Depression symptoms might be different for each person.

The term depression refers to:

A lasting sad mood and/or

Loss of interest or pleasure in most activities

Sometimes people experience several or all of these additional symptoms:

Changes in appetite or weight

Changes in sleep patterns

Restlessness or decreased activity that others notice

Loss of energy or feeling tired all the time

Hard time concentrating or making decisions

Feelings of worthlessness or guilt

Repeated thoughts of death or suicide

For a doctor to decide that someone is clinically depressed, the person must have 5 or more of these symptoms and at least 1 must be either of the first 2 main symptoms of depression. Also, these symptoms must last for at least 2 weeks. The symptoms should be serious enough to cause worry and to get in the way of the person's work, social life, or daily life.

If you have had some of these depression symptoms and they have lasted for at least 2 weeks, you should see your doctor to find out what the cause could be.

Depressed people might also have problems with digestion, such as dry mouth, nausea, constipation and, less commonly, diarrhea.

Being worried, anxious, or irritable all the time could also be hidden signs of depression.

If you think you or someone you know might suffer from depression, fill out the checklist on this site. These answers can help a doctor diagnose depression. Only a doctor or other qualified healthcare professional can diagnose depression.

Previous: Learning About Depression

Next: Causes of Depression

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Depression is a serious medical condition, which can lead to suicidal thoughts and behavior. Children, adolescents, and young adults taking antidepressants may be at increased risk for suicidal thoughts and behavior within the first few months of treatment. This risk must be balanced with the medical need. Those starting medication or changing doses should be watched closely for suicidal thoughts, worsening of depression, or unusual changes in mood or behavior. In children and teens, Zoloft is only approved for use in those with obsessive-compulsive disorder. A patient Medication Guide about "Antidepressant Medicines, Depression and Other Serious Mental Illnesses, and Suicidal Thoughts or Actions" is available.

Zoloft is not for everyone. People taking MAOIs or pimozide shouldn't take Zoloft. Concomitant use of Zoloft with NSAIDs or aspirin may be associated with an increased risk of bleeding. Side effects may include dry mouth, insomnia, sexual side effects, diarrhea, nausea and sleepiness. In studies, few people were bothered enough by side effects to stop taking Zoloft. Side effects may result from stopping Zoloft particularly when abrupt. You should, however, stop taking Zoloft if you get any of the following symptoms of Serotonin Syndrome, a rare but life-threatening reaction, such as fever, sweating, muscle stiffness, trouble thinking clearly, a change in mental functioning, sleepiness, or change in your breathing, heartbeat and blood pressure.

You should tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, as there is a potential risk to the fetus with Zoloft. Like many antidepressants, Zoloft can be present in breast milk so tell your doctor if you are nursing.

Zoloft is approved to treat depression, social anxiety disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) in adults over age 18. It is also approved for OCD in children and adolescents age 6-17 years.

Zoloft is not habit-forming and is not associated with weight gain. So talk to your doctor about how Zoloft might help you. Zoloft comes in 25-mg, 50-mg, and 100-mg tablets. You and your doctor can discuss a dose for you.

The health information contained herein is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace discussions with a healthcare provider. All decisions regarding patient care must be made with a healthcare provider, considering the unique characteristics of the patient.

This product information is intended only for residents of the United States. The products discussed herein may have different product labeling in different countries.

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