Top Depression Symptoms

The following are the nine symptoms which are used in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to diagnose Major Depressive Disorder.

1  Depressed Mood


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A person with a depressed mood may report feeling "sad" or "empty" or may cry frequently.  Having a depressed mood is one of the two core symptoms which is used to diagnose depression.  A person must have at least one of these two core symptoms in order to be diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder.

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2  Decreased Interest or Pleasure

The second core symptom of depression is a decreased interest or pleasure in things that were once enjoyed.  A person exhibiting this symptom will show markedly diminished interest or pleasure in all, or almost all, daily activities.

In addition to having at least one of the core depression symptoms, a person would need to have at least five other depression symptoms from this list in order to meet the diagnostic criteria for Major Depressive Disorder.

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3  Weight Changes

Significant changes in weight when not attempting to gain or lose (a gain or loss of 5% or more in a month) may be indicative of depression. In children, this may also present as a failure to make expected weight gains.

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4  Sleep Disturbances

Either insomnia or sleeping too much may be a symptom of depression.

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5  Psychomotor Agitation or Retardation

The person may be observed to be either agitated and restless or physically slowed down in their speech and movements.

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6  Fatigue

Deep fatigue or a loss of energy is a symptom of depression.

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7  Feelings of Worthlessness or Guilt

A depressed person may feel that they have no value or they may feel inappropriately guilty about things they have no control over.

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8  "Brain Fog"

A depressed person may have a diminished ability to think, concentrate or make decisions.

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9  Thoughts of Death

A depressed person may have frequent thoughts of death and suicide although they may or may not have an actual plan for carrying it out.

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