Considerations

• Severity of symptoms varies among patients. Not all patients will suffer from all the symptoms of depression.
  
  

Symptoms

• Persistent sadness, feelings of hopelessness, guilt and worthlessness are all symptoms of depression. Patients can be irritable and restless.
  
  

Behavior

• Depression sufferers may lose interest in activities that used to bring them pleasure, including sex. Appetite will change, causing either a loss of appetite or an uncontrollable appetite.
  
  

Sleep

• Sleep patterns will be changed in depression sufferers. A patient will suffer from insomnia or feel lethargic and sleep for extended periods.
  
  

Warning

• Depression can cause sufferers to have thoughts of suicide or even make an attempt at suicide. Sufferers of depression may also abuse alcohol or drugs in an attempt to self-medicate.
  
  

Illness

• Often people who suffer from anxiety disorders or are substance abusers will have depression also. People with serious medical conditions such as heart disease, cancer, HIV/AIDS and diabetes can suffer from depression because of their illness.