Most people feel sad or low at some point in life. But clinical
depression is marked by a depressed mood most of the day,
particularly in the morning. In addition, one may have other
symptoms with major depression. Those symptoms might include:
- Fatigue or loss of energy almost every day
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt almost every day
- Impaired concentration, indecisiveness
- Insomnia or hypersomnia (excessive sleeping) almost every
day
- Markedly diminished interest or pleasure in almost all
activities nearly every day (called anhedonia, this symptom can be
indicated by reports from significant others.)
- Psychomotor agitation or retardation (restlessness or being
slowed down)
- Recurring thoughts of death or suicide (not just fearing death)
- Significant weight loss or gain (a change of more than 5%
of body weight in a month)
To distinguish your condition as major depression, one of your
symptoms must be either depressed mood or loss of interest. Also,
the symptoms must be present for most of the day every day or
nearly every day for at least two weeks.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Children with ADHD generally have problems paying attention or
concentrating. They can't seem to follow directions and are easily
bored or frustrated with tasks. They also tend to move constantly
and are impulsive, not stopping to think before they act. These
behaviors are generally common in children. But they occur more
often than usual and are more severe in a child with ADHD.
The behaviors that are common with ADHD interfere with a child's
ability to function at school and at home.
Inattention -- A child with ADHD:
- is easily distracted
- does not follow directions or finish tasks
- does not appear to be listening when someone is speaking
- does not pay attention and makes careless mistakes
- is forgetful about daily activities
- has problems organizing daily tasks
- avoids or dislikes activities that require sitting still or a
sustained effort
- often loses things, including personal items
- has a tendency to daydream
Hyperactivity -- A child with ADHD:
- often squirms, fidgets, or bounces when sitting
- does not stay seated as expected
- has difficulty playing quietly
- is always moving, such as running or climbing on things (In
teens and adults, this is more commonly
described as a sense of restlessness)
- talks excessively
Impulsivity -- A child with ADHD:
- has difficulty waiting for his or her turn
- blurts out answers before the question has been completed
- often interrupts others
