Common Signs Of Moderate Levels Of Depression
Moderate levels of depression are generally marked by symptoms that are greater in number and more debilitating than those of mild depression but are generally considered to be fewer in number and less debilitating than those of severe depression.
Diagnosing moderate levels of depression
The diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder are based on information found in the DSM-V, which is published by the American Psychiatric Association (APA). A diagnosis requires the existence of five or more symptoms, one of which must be either depressed mood or anhedonia (the loss of ability to experience pleasure). Symptoms of a major depressive episode—which, according to the DSM, “must have clearly worsened compared with the person’s pre-episode status and must persist most of the day, daily, for at least two weeks in a row”—are as follows:
- Depressed mood
- Anhedonia
- Weight fluctuations or changes in appetite
- Disruptions in sleep pattern
- Significant slowing or speeding up of speech and movement
- Lack of energy, fatigue, or trouble completing everyday tasks
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- Impaired cognitive function
- Suicidal thoughts or self-harm
If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or urges, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. Support is available 24/7.
Meeting the threshold of five primary symptoms of depression does not indicate depression severity when considering the range of experiences associated with depressive disorder(s).
Because there are no criteria for mild, moderate, or severe depression set forth in the DSM-V, experts have used various methods to create such categories to classify major depressive disorder. Many researchers have sought to verify the accuracy of existing depression scales for major depressive disorder to come up with criteria that help define what moderate levels of depression are.
Measures like the PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9), endorsed in peer-reviewed studies and by medical associations, have been proven accurate when determining the severity of both mild depression and severe depression. The PHQ-9 is a 9-item assessment that asks participants to rate the frequency with which they experience certain symptoms, with higher scores representing greater frequency. Moderate levels of depression are considered present if an individual has a score of 10-14 on the PHQ-9.
Others have sought to create categories for severity adapted from the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) for major depression, which provides scores for various symptoms based on whether they are absent, mild, moderate, severe, or incapacitating. One study found that moderate levels of depression can be represented by a score of 17-23 on the HAMD.
Some experts believe that somatic depressive symptoms—headaches, unexplained body pain, sleep disturbances, appetite changes—are most prevalent in moderate levels of depression. One study concluded that, along with low mood, these physical symptoms of depression are what primarily characterize moderate depression. This study also noted that anhedonia is a defining characteristic of severe depression but not moderate depression.
One concern that many experts have is that many of these inventories and scales only use one dimension of depression symptoms to create categories for depression, such as their number, frequency, or severity. To address this, some mental health professionals have created classifications that incorporate several different dimensions. One proposed method of categorization takes into account severity, functional impairment, duration, and course (the number of major depressive episodes an individual has experienced in their lifetime and how long the current episode has lasted).
Identifying the signs of depression
Though it can have unique characteristics, moderate levels of depression are typically marked by symptoms that overlap with other forms of depression. As discussed above, somatic symptoms may be more pronounced than symptoms like anhedonia. However, the exact symptoms an individual experiences will typically depend on factors like medical history, comorbid mental and physical health disorders, and lifestyle influences. If you believe you’re living with moderate levels of depression, a healthcare professional can provide you with an evaluation and help you determine whether treatment is necessary. The following are several common signs that you may be living with moderate levels of depression.
Low mood
Depression is often characterized by sadness, fatigue, irritability, and a lack of motivation that persists for over two weeks. You may experience a decrease in self-confidence or feelings of hopelessness. These symptoms may manifest as frequent crying or expressions of anger.
Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
Those living with depression often feel less engaged with their interests. You may find that you aren’t pursuing your passions as actively or that you don’t derive as much pleasure from the things you once enjoyed. As discussed above, though, these symptoms may be less pronounced in moderate levels of depression.
Fluctuations in appetite
Depression is often accompanied by a near lack of appetite or a notable increase in hunger. These changes can lead to weight loss or gain in those who are living with depression.
Sleep disruptions
Depression can lead to excessive sleep in some, but it is also closely linked to insomnia. If you notice that your sleep schedule has been off lately, consider whether those disruptions arose alongside other depressive symptoms.
Trouble focusing
Difficulty concentrating for an extended period is a common symptom of depression. You may find that you’re more distracted than normal or are experiencing other impairments in your cognitive functioning.
Overlapping signs with heart disease
In some cases, the signs of depression may overlap with those of heart disease. Research suggests that those who live with moderate levels of depression may have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease than those who have moderately severe depression to severe depression. In addition, there may be a link between depression and heart conditions like high blood pressure, stroke, and congestive heart failure. Lab tests and physical exams can be conducted to rule out medical conditions that could mimic or contribute to depression.
Treatment for depression
Though moderate levels of depression can have significant emotional, cognitive, and physical effects, depression is a treatable disorder. Depression is often addressed through psychotherapy, medication, or both. Therapy can help the participant address the emotional challenges of depression and develop coping skills for everyday life. Therapeutic methods like cognitive behavioral therapy have been shown to effectively decrease symptoms of depression. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps individuals identify and replace negative thought patterns that may be causing recurrent depression.
Medications
Certain medications can help reduce the severity of depressive symptoms and have been proven effective for depression. Common antidepressants include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Always consult with a healthcare provider prior to starting or stopping any medication.
Alternative remedies
Alternative remedies such as herbal supplements and mindfulness practices can also play a role in managing depression. For example, St. John's wort is a widely known herbal treatment that some find helpful for moderate depression, although it should be used cautiously due to potential interactions with other medications.
Lifestyle changes
Lifestyle changes can also help with the management of depression. Exercise has been shown to reduce depressive symptoms by decreasing stress and improving mood. In one study, researchers found that aerobic training, in particular, improved symptoms of moderate depression. If you’re living with depression, consider regularly going for walks, running, or biking.
Diet
A balanced, healthy diet has also been linked to a decrease in depression symptoms. Many experts recommend following a version of the Mediterranean diet, which is rich in whole grains, healthy fats, fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and lean meats.
Self-care
Self-care—which refers to activities that nourish your body or mind—can help you reduce stress and better address your symptoms. Self-care can include drinking a cup of tea, reading a book, taking a bath, practicing yoga, journaling, or taking a mental health day at work. Mindfulness techniques, including meditation and deep-breathing exercises, can alleviate stress and improve daily life for those with mild to severe depression.
Therapy
Therapy offers a flexible approach to treat depression, allowing people to manage negative thoughts, low self-esteem, and other symptoms from the comfort of their home. Interpersonal therapy, a form of talk therapy, focuses on improving a person’s social life by targeting specific behaviors that may contribute to mental illness and a reduced quality of life. If symptoms persist or other symptoms emerge, therapists can help develop strategies to manage mental health conditions effectively.
Managing symptoms with online therapy
Research suggests that online therapy can help individuals address symptoms of depression that span a range of severities. In a study published in the peer-reviewed journal PLOS One, researchers examined the effectiveness of online therapy for individuals living with mild to moderate depression, finding that participants experienced improvements in depressive symptoms and had a better chance of continuing with treatment. The trial was specifically designed for individuals who experienced comorbid cardiovascular disease, which is a sign of depression that we discussed earlier.
If you or your loved ones, including friends and family members, are living with depression or a similar mental health-related concern, consider seeking the support of a licensed therapist online. With an online therapy platform like BetterHelp, you can get matched with a mental health professional based on your needs and preferences, so you’ll have a good chance of connecting with someone who can address your specific depression symptoms. Your therapist can also connect you with useful resources, such as articles and at-home exercises geared toward helping you learn more about depression.
Takeaway
Frequently asked questions
What is meant by this term?
Moderate levels of depression are a form of depression with medium severity. The depressive symptoms are not as severe as major depression but are still significant enough to affect daily life. Some common symptoms include:
- Depressed mood
- Negative thoughts
- Losing interest in daily activities
- Low self-esteem
- Thoughts of self-harm
- Somatic symptoms such as changes in appetite, aches, and pains, and sleep issues
Some forms of moderate or mild depression may come in a seasonal pattern, while others are more consistent. It depends on the cause of the depression and the person in question. If you are experiencing low mood or other symptoms of depression, then contact mental health professionals or a doctor for help. Through talk therapy, atypical antidepressants, and/or lifestyle changes, you can find relief from your recurrent depression. Some people also find help through alternative remedies such as using St. John’s wort and making alternative lifestyle changes. You may also find some relief by getting support from friends and family.
What is worse, moderate or mild depression?
The symptoms of mild, moderate, and severe depression are very similar but primarily differ in their severity. Moderate and mild depression affect daily life, but severe depression can be more severe and life-threatening. If you or a familiar person experiences depression, then seek out a mental health professional or doctor for help and support.
What does it mean to be moderately depressed?
Depression is broken into three forms: mild, moderate, and severe. At any level, depression is more than just feeling blue and can go on for days at a time and interfere with daily life. Moderate levels of depression include:
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Feelings of worthlessness
- Problems concentrating and reduced productivity
- Loss of interest in activities
- Otherwise unexplained aches and pains
- Change in sleep behaviors
- Change in eating behaviors
Knowing the symptoms leads to greater health awareness so you can have your signs of depression medically reviewed.
Moderate and mild depression have many of the same treatment options as severe depression. These include mental health services such as talking therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one common type of talking therapy. You may also be put on an antidepressant, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), to help boost your serotonin levels. In addition to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, common types of antidepressants include norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants.
Persistent depressive disorder is when you have a chronic form of depression. Treatment is usually similar for persistent depressive disorder as well. You can have these signs of depression medically reviewed as well.
If you have suicidal thoughts and are in immediate crisis right now, you can reach out the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You should not, and don’t have to, deal with suicidal thoughts on your own. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can connect you with a trained suicide prevention worker right now at a center that is part of a suicide prevention network. Its website has additional suicide prevention resources, and you can also look at ways to support suicide prevention work, either by volunteering or donating. Suicide prevention work is an important way for us to take care of each other.
People with depression are often at a higher risk of substance use disorder. If you believe you are dealing with depression, a substance use disorder, or both depression and a substance use disorder, reach out to mental health services or a healthcare professional. Many places are set up to treat depression and substance use because they occur together so commonly. You may receive treatment for both depression and substance use at the same time. Remember that substance use will not help you with your mental health because substance use will exacerbate your symptoms and not treat the root cause. Instead, have the symptoms of depression medically reviewed.
Whether you’re experiencing substance use or another mental health challenge, you may consider looking at support groups. Support groups are common for individuals with substance use issues and other mental health conditions. They are available for nearly every sort of issue, including most mental health conditions and eating disorders. Support groups provide emotional support and coping resources for people going through similar experiences. Finding common ground with other adults who have family members or children with a serious mental health condition or mental illness may make it easier for you to talk about difficult issues. There are some support groups for a family too.
What is the primary cause of depression?
Like with many mental health issues, there isn’t a single, primary cause to depression. Many medical associations, peer-reviewed studies, and treatment facilities have studied this dilemma and found several potential causes. Several risk factors can play into depression, and some may overlap in your specific case. Genetics likely play some role, but other factors may influence depression, such as chronic stress, illness, or alcohol or drugs. In some cases, physical diseases and ailments, such as cardiovascular disease, can contribute to depression or similar conditions.
What will happen if you cry a lot?
Crying in and of itself isn’t a bad thing. Often, it’s a good way for the body to process emotions. But if you’re crying a lot, aren’t sure why, and are showing some of the symptoms from the above list, it may be time to talk to a mental health practitioner or health care professional. You may be experiencing a major depressive episode, and reaching out to a therapist or doctor can help you get the support and treatment you need.
What is the most reliable symptom of depression?
Here are some warning signs you can have a major depressive disorder and may want to speak to a mental health professional for greater health awareness and to get more health information, according to the Mayo Clinic:
- A feeling of sadness or hopelessness
- Angry outbursts and irritability over small matters
- Loss of interest in normal activities and particularly loss of interest over activities that were greatly enjoyed
- Sleep problems, including insomnia or too many hours of sleep
- Tiredness or lack of energy
- Change in appetite: either reduced appetite and weight loss or increased appetite and weight gain
- Frequent thoughts of death or suicide
- Unexplained physical symptoms (such as headaches, back pain, or stomachaches)
- Substance abuse
Does depression make you less intelligent?
It can certainly make you feel that way. According to Harvard Health Publishing, that’s because depression affects your attention and memory, and information-processing skills, and lowers your cognitive flexibility (adapting to changing situations) and executing functioning (ability to get something done). Depression is one of the most common causes of brain fog. If you are concerned you are dealing with this, talk to a mental health professional or health care professional for more health information.
How long does it take to feel normal after stopping antidepressants?
It depends—in part on the strength of the antidepressant you’re taking, how long you’ve been on it, and other factors. People with depression should not come off an antidepressant without making sure to first talk to their doctor to get health information. You have to taper off antidepressants or you risk going into withdrawal. You may have withdrawal symptoms up to six weeks after stopping your antidepressants. Some people may experience them for months. Remember to talk to a mental health professional or doctor and get all the health information you need before stopping an antidepressant.
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