It is very important to detect a first episode of depression early because the treatment can then quickly reduce the symptoms. Depression treated late can lead to complications (1).
Depression is characterized by an association of variable symptoms from one to another (1).
These symptoms, that can be severe, are present almost every day for at least two weeks. They are a source of distress and have a professional, social and family impact. This is called a characterized depressive episode and not a simple “depression” or a transient depressive reaction (1).
Depression can affect the body and be responsible for multiple pains, sexual disturbances, a slowdown in activity or, on the contrary, agitation (1).
The depressed person is not always aware of his disease, and it is the entourage or the doctor during a consultation who evoke the diagnosis of depressive episode (1).