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Basics | Causes | Signs | Symptoms
Symptoms of Depression and Mania
The number and severity of symptoms of depression and mania can vary widely from individual to individual. Not everyone experiences every symptom. Some people may experience many symptoms while other will experience a few. And the severity of symptoms can vary over time.
If you are experiencing some of these symptoms listed below, you should visit with a qualified mental health professional. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, you should seek the help of a mental health professional or physician immediately.
The National Institutes of Health developed the following checklist:
Symptoms of Depression
- Persistent sad or "empty" mood
- Loss of interest or pleasure in ordinary activities, including sex
- Decreased energy, fatigue, being "slowed down"
- Sleep disturbances (insomnia, early-morning waking, or oversleeping)
- Eating disturbances (loss of appetite and weight, or weight gain)
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness
- Thoughts of death or suicide, suicide attempts
- Irritability
- Excessive crying
- Chronic aches and pains that don't respond to treatment
Symptoms of Mania
- Abnormal or excessive elation
- Unusual irritability
- Decreased need for sleep
- Grandiose notions
- Increased talking
- Racing thoughts
- Increased sexual desire
- Markedly increased energy
- Poor judgment
- Inappropriate social behavior
source: National Institute of Health Publication No. 97-4266 and 99-3561
However, there are other symptoms that can also be attributed to depression and mania. These additional symptoms include:
- excessive pessimism
- social withdrawal
- persistent physical problems such as headaches or digestive disorders
- lack of emotional expression
- restlessness
- chronic pain that does not respond to treatment
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