Long-Term Care

Trainer's tip: Recognizing the signs and symptoms of depression

LTC Nursing Assistant Trainer, July 30, 2009

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If a person has four or more of these symptoms lasting two weeks or more, he or she may be clinically depressed:

  • Withdrawal from others
  • Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, helplessness, hopelessness, or self-reproach
  • Thoughts of death or suicide, or attempted suicide        
  • Difficulty thinking, concentrating, focusing, or remembering
  • Slowed or agitated movements or speech
  • Complaining of aches and pains, dizziness, blurred vision, racing heart, anxiety, or vague discomforts
  • Changes in appetite and weight – either increased or decreased
  • Loss of interest or pleasure in normal activities, such as self-care or social activities
  • Fatigue and loss of energy
  • Disturbed sleep – either difficulty sleeping, or sleeping more than usual
  • Irritability, agitation, grumpiness
  • Sad, depressed, or apathetic mood; may cry a lot, or complain of feeling empty
  • Constant complaining
  • Excessive alcohol use
  • Mood swings

This is an excerpt from HCPro’s book, The CNA Training Solution, Second Edition.



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