'Classic' symptoms of depression and 'male-specific' symptoms

Classic symptoms of depression:

• Persistent sad, anxious or "empty" mood.

• Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism.

• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness.

• Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed, including sex.

• Decreased energy, fatigue, being "slowed down."

• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions.

• Insomnia, early-morning awakening or oversleeping.

• Appetite and/or weight loss or overeating and weight gain.

• Thoughts of death or suicide; suicide attempts.

• Restlessness, irritability.

• Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain.

'Male-specific' symptoms of depression:

• Increased withdrawal from relationships.

• Increased impulsivity.

• Over-involvement with work.

• Denial of pain.

• Increasingly rigid demands for autonomy.

• Avoiding the help of others.

• Shift in interest in sex (decrease or increase).

• Increase in angry outbursts.

• New or renewed interest in alcohol or drugs.

• Denial of sadness and inability to cry.

• Harsh self-criticism.

• Impulsive plans to have loved ones cared for in case of patient's death or disability.

• Depleted or impulsive mood.

• Concentration, sleep, eating disorders, weight loss or gain.