Depression disorder is characterized by the presence of 5 or more of the following symptoms:

•Depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day, as indicated by either subjective report (e.g. feels sad or empty) or observation made by others (e.g. appears tearful). Children and adolescents may exhibit irritability.

•Markedly diminished interest or pleasure in all, or most, daily activities most of the day, nearly every day.

•Significant weight changes (e.g. a change of more than 5% of body weight in a month), or decrease or increase in appetite nearly every day.

•Insomnia or hypersomnia (sleeping too much) nearly every day.

•Psychomotor agitation or retardation nearly every day.

•Fatigue or loss of energy nearly every day.

•Feelings of worthlessness or excessive or inappropriate guilt nearly every day.

•Diminished ability to think or concentrate, or indecisiveness, nearly every day.

•Recurrent thoughts of death, recurrent suicidal ideation without a specific plan, or a suicide attempt or a specific plan for committing suicide.

If you are still uncertain as to whether you may be suffering from depression, screening tests exist which can help you determine whether you should seek a professional evaluation. There is a test provided on this site which is simple to use and completely confidential.

Depression Problems and articles on depression at http://www.depression-topics.com

Difference between clinical depression and sadness

Although depression is often thought of a being an extreme state of sadness, there is a vast difference between clinical depression and sadness.
http://www.depression-topics.com
Experiencing Sadness is a part of being human, a natural reaction to painful circumstances. All of us will experience sadness at some point in our lives.

Depression, however, is a physical illness with many more symptoms than an unhappy mood. The person with clinical depression finds that there is not always a logical reason for his dark feelings.

Sadness is a feeling that passes as a person comes to term with his troubles. Depression can linger for weeks, months or even years.