ICD-10 depression diagnostic criteria

Last reviewed 11/2020

Diagnostic criteria for depression ICD-10 uses an agreed list of ten depressive symptoms

Key symptoms:

• persistent sadness or low mood;and/or
• loss of interests or pleasure
• fatigue or low energy
• at least one of these, most days, most of the time for at least 2 weeks
• if any of above present, ask about associated symptoms:
• disturbed sleep
• poor concentration or indecisiveness
• low self-confidence
• poor or increased appetite
• suicidal thoughts or acts
• agitation or slowing of movements
• guilt or self-blame
• the 10 symptoms then define the degree of depression and management is based on the particular degree
  • not depressed (fewer than four symptoms)
  • mild depression (four symptoms)
  • moderate depression (five to six symptoms)
  • severe depression (seven or more symptoms, with or without psychotic symptoms)
  • symptoms should be present for a month or more and every symptom should be present for most of every day

Reference:

• 1. NICE (December 2004). Management of depression in primary and secondary care