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Oppositional Defiant Disorder

Reactive Attachment Disorder

Symptoms of Childhood Depression

There are four major categories of symptoms involved in depression

Mood symptoms: sadness and guilt
Motivational symptoms: psychomotor retardation (slowed reactions)
Cognitive Symptoms: low self-esteem, pessimism
Physical Symptoms: sleep, eating and sexual disturbances

The following symptoms must last for the majority of at least a two-week period and 5 of the following 9 symptoms must be present:

Depressed mood*
Loss of interest or pleasure*
Weight change
Changes in sleep patterns
Slowed reaction and agitation
Loss of energy
Feelings of worthlessness
Decreased ability to concentrate
Recurrent thoughts of death (suicidal)

* These items are necessary for diagnosis

The symptoms of depression touch everyone from time to time. To see if you would benefit from treatment, take this quiz. Check the words in the list below which describes you (or someone you know):

	helpless
	worthless
	hopeless
	unable to concentrate
	always tired
	unable to sleep
	can't handle rejection
	always eating
	never hungry
	cry or shout a lot

The information provided on this site should not replace your physician’s advice.