Depression Symptoms & Diagnosis

Symptoms

Depression can differ from person to person. Some people have only a few symptoms, while others have many.

Symptoms can change over time and may include:

Persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, or emptiness
Hopelessness
Feeling guilty, worthless, or helpless
Loss of interest in hobbies and activities
Loss of interest in sex
Feeling tired
Trouble concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
Trouble sleeping, waking up too early, or oversleeping
Eating more or less than usual
Weight gain or weight loss
Thoughts of death or suicide with or without suicide attempts
Restlessness or irritability
Physical symptoms that defy standard diagnosis and do not respond well to medical treatments

Diagnosis

There is no blood test or diagnostic test for depression. The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, giving special attention to:

Alcohol and drug use
Thoughts of death or suicide
Family members who have or have had depression
Sleep patterns
Previous episodes of depression

The doctor may also perform specific mental health exams. This will help get detailed information about your speech, thoughts, memory, and mood. A physical exam and other tests can help rule out other causes.

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2026 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.