Which of the following symptoms may indicate clinical depression?

Which of the following symptoms may indicate clinical depression?

• A. Weight loss
• B. Hyperactivity
• C. Increased social engagements
• D. Excessive productivity

Answer: (A)

Weight loss can indeed be a significant symptom of clinical depression. In the context of depression, individuals often experience changes in appetite and weight due to a variety of factors such as altered metabolism, loss of interest in food, or overwhelming feelings that affect daily functioning. This weight loss is typically not intentional and can result from a general decline in physical health and wellbeing associated with depressive symptoms. In contrast, hyperactivity, increased social engagement, and excessive productivity may suggest a state of elevated mood or hypomania, often associated with conditions such as bipolar disorder, rather than clinical depression. Clinical depression is characterized by a lack of energy, apathy, and often withdrawal from social situations, which further emphasizes why weight loss is a more relevant symptom in identifying this condition.

Weight loss can indeed be a significant symptom of clinical depression. In the context of depression, individuals often experience changes in appetite and weight due to a variety of factors such as altered metabolism, loss of interest in food, or overwhelming feelings that affect daily functioning. This weight loss is typically not intentional and can result from a general decline in physical health and wellbeing associated with depressive symptoms.

In contrast, hyperactivity, increased social engagement, and excessive productivity may suggest a state of elevated mood or hypomania, often associated with conditions such as bipolar disorder, rather than clinical depression. Clinical depression is characterized by a lack of energy, apathy, and often withdrawal from social situations, which further emphasizes why weight loss is a more relevant symptom in identifying this condition.