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DSM-IV criteria for Depression has similar criteria as other schemes for diagnosis.

The Criteria include the following

  • Five or more symptoms must be present for the same 2-week period
  • There must be a change in functioning
  • At least one of the symptoms must be either depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure

Symptoms include

  • Depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day (sad, tearful)
  • Markedly diminished interest or pleasure in all or almost all activities most of the day nearly, nearly every day
  • Significant weight loss when not dieting or weight gain (change in 5% body weight over one month) or a decrease or increase in appetite nearly every day
  • Insomnia or hypersomnia (sleeping too much)) nearly every day
  • Psychomotor agitation or retardation nearly every day (observed by others) Agitation is defines a a restlessness
  • Fatigue or a loss of energy
  • Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
  • Diminished ability to concentrate or inability to make decisions nearly every day
  • Recurrent thoughts of death, recurrent suicidal ideation without a plan or recurrent suicide attempts

Symptoms cause distress or impairment in social, occupational or other important areas of functioning.

Symptoms are not related to a medical condition or bereavement.

Diagnostic Criteria from DSM-IV; 1994, American Psychiatric Association, Washington D.C.

For more information about depression in general go to:

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/depression.cfm

For more information about Depression during Pregnancy go to:

http://www.psychguides.com/DINW%20during%20pregnancy.pdf