What are the symptoms of depression?
Disease description:
One of my nephews is currently suffering from depression. He no longer attends school or goes outside, and stays shut in all day. I'd like to ask, what are the common symptoms of depression?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhang Baohua
Depression is a common emotional disorder characterized by several main manifestations:
1. Emotional symptoms:表现为 sadness, emptiness, or feelings of despair. Patients may describe themselves as feeling "heavy," "hopeless," or "downhearted."
2. Cognitive symptoms: Difficulty concentrating, memory impairment, reduced decision-making ability, low self-evaluation, recurring negative thoughts, such as pessimistic expectations for the future, and suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
3. Physical symptoms: Changes in sleep patterns, including insomnia or excessive sleeping; changes in appetite that may lead to weight gain or loss; reduced energy or fatigue; decreased libido; physical discomfort or pain, such as headaches and stomachaches, without an identifiable physiological cause.
4. Behavioral symptoms: Reduced activity, social withdrawal, loss of interest in daily activities, including hobbies or entertainment previously enjoyed; decreased performance at work or school; reduced ability to care for oneself.
Patients suffering from depression are advised to seek medical attention promptly.
