SIGECAPS Screening for Depression

SIGECAPS is a mnemonic device that mental health professionals often use to easily remember the symptom indicators for depression. As depression has many symptoms, and because depression does not look the same in each client, it can be helpful for mental health professionals to remember this mnemonic.

S

• The first S in SIGECAPS stands for sleep disturbances. Sleep disturbances often accompany depression. A depressed person may have problems falling asleep or staying asleep. This is called insomnia. In contrast, a depressed person may begin to sleep much more than they used to. This is known as hypersomnia.

I

• I stands for interest reduced. People suffering from clinical depression often have decreased interest in pleasure. This may mean they no longer enjoy going out with friends, don't want to do activities they used to enjoy or get less pleasure from accomplishment then they once would.

G

• G stands for guilt and self blame. Depressed people often feel a great amount of guilt (weather this be rational or irrational guilt). They also may blame themselves for a myriad of circumstances. For example, a depressed person may blame himself if a friend did not enjoy herself at a party.

E

• E stands for energy loss and fatigue. A depressed person often feels that every day tasks take an enormous amount of effort. Small gestures such as doing chores or keeping a schedule may become difficult due to a lack of energy.

C

• C stands for concentration problems. Depression makes it hard for a person to concentrate. It may be hard to focus on conversations, lectures, reading and the like.

A

• A stands for appetite change. When a person becomes depressed it is common for his appetite to change. Many who suffer depression no longer have the energy to eat and may lose weight. Others may cope through eating and find themselves gaining a lot of weight.

P & S

• P stands for psychomotor changes. Psychomotor changes mean that a person's movement and speech may change. A depressed person may start to speak slower, move slower and can generally seem like they've been slowed down. This may be due to a lack of concentration or a preoccupation with his thoughts. In contrast a person may begin to speak quickly and move around when they would normally stay still. Foot tapping, and an exaggerated startled response are common. This may be because depression and anxiety often go hand in hand.

  S stands for suicidal thoughts, perhaps the most important thing to screen for when assessing a person for depression. Suicidality is a dangerous symptom, and if someone is suicidal it is important to seek the help of a professional.