Table 35.1

Table 35.1—DSM-IV Diagnostic Criteria for Major Depression

Depressed mood*

Loss of interest or pleasure*

Appetite change or weight loss

Insomnia or hypersomnia

Psychomotor agitation or retardation

Loss of energy

Feelings of worthlessness or guilt

Difficulties with concentration or decision making

Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide

* “Gateway” (or “core”) symptoms, at least one of which must be present for a diagnosis of major depression.

NOTE: The diagnosis requires that the patient have at least one gateway or core symptom and that five more symptoms have occurred nearly every day for most of the day for at least 2 weeks. Also, the symptoms must be causing significant distress or impaired functioning and must not be due to a direct physiologic cause.

SOURCE: Data from the American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 4th ed. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association; 1994.