Not everyone experiences clinical depression in the same way. Different people have different symptoms. To help you decide whether an evaluation for clinical depression is needed, review the following check list of symptoms and mark the symptoms that apply. See your doctor or a qualified mental health professional if you experience FIVE or more of these symptoms for longer than two weeks or if the symptoms are severe enough to interfere with your daily routine. A thorough physical examination to rule out other illnesses may be recommended.

Symptoms of Clinical Depression:

• A persistent sad, anxious or "empty" mood
• Sleeping too little or sleeping too much
• Reduced appetite and weight loss, or increased appetite and weight gain
• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
• Restlessness or irritability
• Persistent physical symptoms that don't respond to treatment [such as headaches, chronic pain, or constipation and other digestive disorders]
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
• Fatigue or loss of energy
• Feeling guilty, hopeless or worthless
• Thoughts of death or suicide

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