Use the following checklist to determine if you or someone you know is suffering from clinical depression. If five of more of the following symptoms have lasted for more than two weeks, tell a doctor as soon as possible. Clinical depression can be treated successfully with medication and therapy.

• Feelings of sadness and/or irritability
• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
• Changes in weight or appetite
• Changes in sleeping pattern
• Feeling guilty, hopeless, or worthless
• Inability to concentrate, remember things, or make decisions
• Fatigue of loss of energy
• Restlessness or decreased activity noticed by others
• Thoughts of suicide or death

______TOTAL: If you checked five or more symptoms and they have lasted more than two weeks, tell a doctor.

In addition, look for the following symptoms of the manic phase of manic-depression:

• Increased energy and decreased need for sleep
• Inappropriate excitement or irritability
• Increased talking or moving
• Promiscuous sexual behavior
• Disconnected and racing thoughts
• Impulsive behavior and poor judgement