Cologne, Germany  - Signs of depression are often physical in nature and include weight loss, insomnia, inexplicable pains, constipation and loss of libido, according to Germany's Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG).

It said that a person who experiences several of the following symptoms for at least two weeks might be suffering from depression: constant low spirits, diminished sense of self-worth and self-confidence, lethargy, insomnia and difficulty in concentrating.

Other signs of possible depression, the IQWiG said, are sudden tiredness, a loss of appetite, a drop in physical activity, general apathy, groundless feelings of guilt and a lack of pleasure in former hobbies.

Recognizing depression in small children is difficult. Those afflicted cry frequently, cease playing, are anxious and try excessively hard to be loveable and obedient. Depressed schoolchildren, on the other hand, are negative and quickly irritated by minor matters, often have temper tantrums, a low sense of self-worth and no interest in leisure-time activities.

Depression in adolescents is hard to distinguish from pubertal bad moods, the IQWiG pointed out, adding that fluctuations in body weight, drug and alcohol consumption, hypersomnia and suicidal thoughts could be signs of the condition. (dpa)