What are the symptoms of depression?

Nov 17, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhang Baohua

Introduction

Depression generally refers to major depressive disorder. Symptoms of depression include persistent low mood, reduced or lost interest, slowed thinking, sleep disturbances, and physical discomfort. If these symptoms last for more than two weeks and affect normal daily functioning, timely attention and intervention are needed. If the aforementioned symptoms appear and cannot be relieved independently, it is recommended to seek medical evaluation promptly. The core symptom is a marked and persistent feeling of sadness.

Chronic depressive disorder generally refers to depression. Symptoms of depression include persistent low mood, loss or reduction of interest, slowed thinking, sleep disturbances, and physical discomfort. If these symptoms persist for more than two weeks and affect normal daily functioning, timely attention and intervention are necessary. If the above symptoms appear and cannot be relieved independently, it is recommended to seek medical evaluation promptly.

1. Persistent low mood: The core feature is a marked and prolonged feeling of sadness, pessimism, and hopelessness about the future. Individuals may cry easily, become irritable, or experience unexplained restlessness. Mood fluctuations are limited and difficult to improve through self-regulation.

2. Loss or reduction of interest: There is a diminished interest in activities once enjoyed, with reluctance to participate in social, work, or recreational activities. Patients may withdraw from family and friends, strongly preferring solitude. Even if they force themselves to participate, they derive no pleasure, leading to a lack of motivation in life.

3. Slowed thinking: Mental processing slows down, making associations difficult. Attention becomes impaired, memory declines, speech becomes slow and sparse, thinking feels effortful, and decision-making ability is significantly reduced.

4. Sleep disturbances: Insomnia is common, including difficulty falling asleep, early morning awakening with inability to fall back asleep, or excessive sleeping and non-restorative sleep. Sleep problems can further worsen depressed mood, creating a vicious cycle.

5. Physical discomfort: Accompanied by various somatic symptoms without organic disease, such as fatigue, headaches, dizziness, decreased appetite or binge eating, significant weight changes, palpitations, chest tightness, and gastrointestinal discomfort.

Provide patients with sufficient companionship and attentive listening. Avoid lecturing or blaming. Encourage moderate participation in gentle outdoor activities, help establish regular daily routines, offer light and easily digestible meals, and guide them gradually toward rebuilding confidence in life.

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Is chest tightness and shortness of breath the main symptom of depression?

The main symptoms of depression are not necessarily chest tightness or shortness of breath. While chest tightness and shortness of breath can be among the accompanying symptoms, they are not core features of depression. In daily life, if you notice someone around you showing signs of low mood, first patiently listen to their feelings without rushing to give advice; helping them feel understood is what matters most. You can also accompany them in doing some simple everyday tasks.

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Can escitalopram oxalate tablets be taken together with Guilin Dihuang Pills?

It can be taken when the pattern differentiation matches and there are no contraindications; otherwise, it is not recommended. If a patient simultaneously presents symptoms of depression or anxiety, and according to TCM pattern differentiation has deficiency of kidney yang—such as frequent cold intolerance, cold limbs, soreness and weakness in the lower back and knees—and if after evaluation the physician determines that the two medications have no interactions, then under medical guidance they may be taken together, each serving their respective roles in regulating mood and warming and tonifying kidney yang.