In a major depressive episode , a person feels sad or experiences a loss of interest in plearurable activities for at least a two- to four-week period. In addition, there are several of the following symptoms: loss of appetite ( or eating too much ) trouble sleeping at night ( Or sleeping too much ) , feelings of agitation and extreme restlessness ( Or feeling dull fatigued and slowed down ) , feeling of worthlessness or guilt , difficulties concentrating , and thoughts of death .

Many people with these symptoms do not realize they are depressed. They may feel convinced they are inferior and that life is not worth living.

Major depressive episodes occur twice as often in women as in men., but the reason for this is not known. Between 10 and 25 percent of all adult women have had at least one major depressive episode. The estimates for men are between 5 and 12 percent .

