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Depression Health Center

Depression Overview

Everyone has felt depressed. Yet the sadness and other symptoms of depression that are intense and last for long periods of time, can signal clinical depression or major depression, a serious medical illness that needs professional care.

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Depression Linked to Alzheimer's Disease

Elderly people who suffer from depression have an increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.

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Understanding Depression - Symptoms

What Are the Symptoms of Depression?

For major depression, you may experience five or more of the following for at least a two-week period:

  • Persistent sadness, pessimism
  • Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness or hopelessness
  • Loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities, including sex
  • Difficulty concentrating and complaints of poor memory
  • Worsening of co-existing chronic disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes
  • Insomnia or oversleeping
  • Weight gain or loss
  • Fatigue, lack of energy
  • Anxiety, agitation, irritability
  • Thoughts of suicide or death
  • Slow speech; slow movements
  • Headache, stomachache, and digestive problems
Understanding Depression - Symptoms