Definitions of symptoms and signs

As outlined on the slide, symptoms are apparent to the patient, whereas signs are not always.¹ Diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder cover many of the signs and symptoms of which a clinician should be aware.^2,3

References:
1. King LS. Signs and symptoms. JAMA 1968; 206 (5): 1063–1065.

2. American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Fifth Edition – text revision. © American Psychiatric Association, 2022.

3. World Health Organization. International Classification of Diseases – 11th edition. Available at: https://icd.who.int/en. Accessed June 2025.