Common Signs of Depression in Adults
A psychiatrist in Boise, ID, Dr. Richard Pines draws on more than three decades of experience in his private practice. Working with patients in the Boise, ID, area, he screens for depression, dementia, and various psychiatric disorders. Dr. Richard Pines holds a master of arts in developmental psychology from Loyola University and a doctor of osteopathy from Des Moines University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine. There are several signs that may indicate an individual is suffering from depression, a mood disorder generally characterized by chronic feelings of sadness and disinterest, though more severe cases can include erratic behavior and suicidal ideation. Depression can be difficult to diagnose for a number of reasons, partly because individuals often experience depression in episodes interrupted by periods of normalcy. That said, individual’s experience symptoms of depression for the duration of an episode. Beyond the loss of interest in once-engaging hobbies or activities and feelings of sadness and hopelessness, a number of physical symptoms can be indicative of depression. Insomnia and excessive sleeping are both signs of the disorder, as is an overall lack of energy, regardless of sleep. Unexplained back pain or persistent headaches are additional physical symptoms. Many sign of depression can exacerbate the disorder and other symptoms. Insomnia, for example, feeds into the complex thought processes that occur during an episode, making it very difficult to concentrate or remember things. Similarly, lack of appetite or overeating can complicate various physical issues and lead to serious medical conditions. A person experiencing any combination of these symptoms should discuss their feelings, both emotional and physical, to a trusted primary care physician or psychiatrist.