Severe Depressive Symptoms

Definition

Severe depressive symptoms refer to intense feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and despair that significantly impair a person's ability to function in daily life. These symptoms may include persistent low mood, loss of interest or pleasure in activities, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, difficulty concentrating, and thoughts of self-harm or suicide.

Related terms

Major Depressive Disorder: A mental health condition characterized by one or more major depressive episodes lasting at least two weeks.

Dysthymia: A form of chronic depression that lasts for at least two years but is less severe than major depressive disorder.

Suicidal Ideation: Thoughts about ending one's own life; often associated with severe depressive symptoms.