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Clinical Depression

By , About.com Guide

Updated August 30, 2011

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Definition: Refers to depression which meets the DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder, as opposed to sub-clinical depression, which is not severe enough to meet the criteria. Symptoms of depression usually consist of feelings of sadness, guilt, or unworthiness; crying spells; disturbance in appetite and weight changes; and disturbance in sleep.
Also Known As: major depressive disorder, major depression, unipolar depression, depression

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