Which symptom is NOT part of the SIGECAPS criteria for diagnosing depression?

The SIGECAPS acronym is a simple way to remember the nine core symptoms used in diagnosing major depressive disorder. Each letter corresponds to a specific symptom:

• S for Sleep disturbances

• I for Interest (loss of)

• G for Guilt

• E for Energy (decreased)

• C for Concentration (difficulty)

• A for Appetite (changes)

• P for Psychomotor agitation or retardation

• S for Suicidal thoughts

In this context, "increased energy" is not a symptom of depression but rather the opposite. Depression is typically characterized by a decrease in energy levels, which contributes to feelings of fatigue and lethargy.

The correct response highlights that while symptoms like sleep disturbances, apathy, and feelings of guilt fit within the framework of SIGECAPS, the presence of increased energy does not align with the clinical presentation of depression. It can lead to misunderstandings about the nature of the disorder, as individuals with depression often experience significant fatigue and a lack of motivation, contrasting sharply with the idea of having increased energy.