A persistent lowering of mood and motivation.

Common features include:

• Lowered mood
• Loss of energy
• Lowered motivation
• Feelings of worthlessness
• Sleep disturbance
• Recurrent thoughts of suicide

Tips for management:

• Express concerns regarding patient as it may facilitate further discussion
• Limit stimuli, as it affects concentration
• Ask clear concise questions
• Present yourself in a warm and empathetic manner