Question
What are some of the main symptoms of major depressive disorder?
Answers
GPT-4o mini
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is characterized by a variety of symptoms that can significantly impact an individual's daily life. Some of the main symptoms include:
1. **Persistent Sadness or Low Mood**: A continuous feeling of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness that lasts most of the day.
2. **Loss of Interest or Pleasure**: A marked decrease in interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyable, including hobbies and social activities.
3. **Changes in Appetite or Weight**: Significant weight loss or gain, or changes in appetite (either increased or decreased).
4. **Sleep Disturbances**: Insomnia (difficulty sleeping) or hypersomnia (sleeping too much).
5. **Fatigue or Loss of Energy**: A constant feeling of tiredness or lack of energy, even after rest.
6. **Feelings of Worthlessness or Guilt**: Excessive or inappropriate feelings of guilt or a sense of worthlessness.
7. **Difficulty Concentrating**: Trouble focusing, making decisions, or remembering things.
8. **Psychomotor Agitation or Retardation**: Observable restlessness or slowed speech and movements.
9. **Recurrent Thoughts of Death or Suicide**: Frequent thoughts about dying or suicidal ideation, or attempts at suicide.
These symptoms must be present for at least two weeks and represent a change from previous functioning. It's important to note that not everyone with MDD will experience all of these symptoms, and the severity can vary. If you or someone you know is struggling with these symptoms, it is crucial to seek professional help.
1. **Persistent Sadness or Low Mood**: A continuous feeling of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness that lasts most of the day.
2. **Loss of Interest or Pleasure**: A marked decrease in interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyable, including hobbies and social activities.
3. **Changes in Appetite or Weight**: Significant weight loss or gain, or changes in appetite (either increased or decreased).
4. **Sleep Disturbances**: Insomnia (difficulty sleeping) or hypersomnia (sleeping too much).
5. **Fatigue or Loss of Energy**: A constant feeling of tiredness or lack of energy, even after rest.
6. **Feelings of Worthlessness or Guilt**: Excessive or inappropriate feelings of guilt or a sense of worthlessness.
7. **Difficulty Concentrating**: Trouble focusing, making decisions, or remembering things.
8. **Psychomotor Agitation or Retardation**: Observable restlessness or slowed speech and movements.
9. **Recurrent Thoughts of Death or Suicide**: Frequent thoughts about dying or suicidal ideation, or attempts at suicide.
These symptoms must be present for at least two weeks and represent a change from previous functioning. It's important to note that not everyone with MDD will experience all of these symptoms, and the severity can vary. If you or someone you know is struggling with these symptoms, it is crucial to seek professional help.