What are the symptoms of depression when should drugs be used for treatment?

Funtion is key: Rather than symptoms pointing to use of medications, i more likely focus on severity, duration and degree of impairment from depression. This is usually correlated with number of symptoms. So i would treat anyone whose symptoms are severe enough to impair function for over a two week period. The type of symptoms may influence my choice of meds rather than if i prescribe or not.

Good question!: People have different symptoms of depression, but commonly one feels blue, not affected by what is going on in their environment, difficulty concentrating, poor appetite, lack of every/fatigue, poor motivation, difficulty getting out of bed in the morning, anxiety, ruminations. Medications can be used when the symptoms do not remit over time and the symptoms interfere with daily functioning.