Table 2.

Diagnostic features In depression

SYMPTOMS	QUALIFIERS
Depressed mood, most of the day, nearly every day	Either depressed mood or diminished interest must be present
Diminished interest in most activities	Either diminished interest or depressed mood must be present
Significant weight loss or gain or change in appetite	A change of more than 5% of body weight in a month is significant
Insomnia or hypersomnia nearly every day	A change from previous sleep patterns should be noted
Psychomotor agitation or retardation	This should be observable and verifiable by others
Fatigue or loss of energy	Daily complaints qualify this for a criterion
Feelings of worthlessness or guilt nearly every day	More than mild self reproach about being sick is necessary
Diminished concentration or indecisiveness	This symptom can be by subjective or objective
Recurrent thoughts of death, recurrent suicidal ideation, either a suicidal attempt or a specific plan to commit suicide	More specific ideation than just a fear of dying is necessary
Five of nine symptoms are present during a two-week period	A change from previous functioning must occur

Adapted from:

American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association; 2000:356.