Do I Have Melancholic Depression?

Do you experience feelings of persistent sadness?

Do you experience irritability?

Do you experience a loss of interest and pleasure?

Do you experience changes in appetite?

Do you have sleep difficulties?

Do you experience low energy or fatigue?

Do you have difficulty concentrating?

Do you experience changes in activity levels?

Do you have thoughts of dying or suicide?

Do you experience a depression that is different from grief?

Do you have psychomotor disturbances of either retardation (i.e., the slowing of normal movement) or agitation (i.e., increased and/or irregular movement)?

Is the depression consistently worse in the morning?

Do you have anorexia or weight loss?

Do you experience excessive or inappropriate guilt?

Do you experience early morning waking of at least two hours earlier than normal?

Based on your answers, it is unlikely that you have melancholic depression. Melancholic depression is a form of major depressive disorder (MDD) with melancholic features. Melancholic depression disorder is no longer recognized as a separate mental illness, but instead a specifier for (or subtype of) MDD. Someone who suffers from MDD has persistent and intense feelings of sadness and hopelessness. The disorder can affect various areas of life, such as relationships and work, but also mood, behavior, appetite and sleep.

Based on your answers, you may be displaying one or more symptoms related to major depressive disorder (MDD), but not necessarily melancholic depression. It may be important to discuss this with your doctor, to better understand the underlying cause of the symptoms. MDD symptoms may vary between persons. MDD is characterized by persistent and intense feelings of sadness and hopelessness. People who suffer from MDD often lose interest in activities they used to enjoy, and they may have a hard time getting through the day. Luckily most symptoms can be managed with treatment. This usually consists of medication and talk therapy.

Unfortunately, you are displaying the symptoms typically seen among individuals who have melancholic depression. It is recommended to plan a visit to your doctor. Melancholic depression is a subtype of major depressive disorder (MDD) which presents with melancholic features. People who suffer from this condition may feel as if life isn’t worth living. Medication in combination with talk therapy is usually more effective than either approach on its own. Talk therapy can help you to adjust to stressful events, replace negative beliefs with positive ones, increase self-esteem and regain satisfaction and control in life. Group therapy can be helpful as well.