The most common mood disorders are depression, dysthymia, and bipolar disorder. Depression and dysthymia have similar symptoms, with the main difference between them being the gravity and the duration of the depressive episodes. Symptoms of depression include:
- inexplicable sadness
- a loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
- a change in appetite and/or weight
- oversleeping or insomnia
- physical slowing or agitation
- general loss of energy
- feelings of low self-esteem or inappropriate guilt
- difficulty concentrating on daily tasks
- recurrent thoughts of death or suicide.
People who have depression (or another depressive disorder) feel exhausted, worthless, helpless, and hopeless. These negative thoughts and feelings that are part of depression make some people feel like giving up. As treatment takes effect, these thoughts begin to go away.