Military & VeteransTo be diagnosed with clinical depression, the individual must either have a depressed mood or have lost interest in pleasurable activities. View the complete definition of clinical depression.
In addition, your patient must have at least five of the following symptoms lasting more than two weeks:
- Sleep disturbance
- Anhedonia (loss of enjoyment in daily activities)
- Feelings of guilt, hopelessness, or worthlessness
- Trouble concentrating
- Reduced energy
- Alteration in weight or appetite
- Psychomotor agitation or retardation
- Suicidal ideation
- Somatic complaints
Even if someone does not meet the clinical criteria of depression, it's still important to recognize the signs and symptoms. Treatment should include evidence-based modalities if the depression is at the level of a disorder.
Here are treatment guidelines for depression, including an overview in the context of concussion:
