Depressive symptoms in neurodegenerative diseases

Table 3 Provisional diagnostic criteria for depression in Alzheimer's disease

Three or more of the following criteria over the same 2-wk period, representing a change from previous functioning:

Depressed mood (sad, hopeless, discouraged, tearful)

Decreased positive affect or pleasure in response to social contacts and activities

Social isolation or withdrawal

Disruption in appetite

Disruption in sleep

Psychomotor agitation or retardation

Irritability

Fatigue or loss of energy

Worthlessness, hopelessness or excessive guilt

Recurrent thoughts of death or suicidal ideation

All criteria are met for dementia of the Alzheimer’s type

Symptoms cause distress or disruption in functioning

Symptoms do not occur exclusively during delirium

Symptoms are not due to substances (medications or drugs of abuse)