What mnemonic is used to remember the symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder?

The correct choice, SIG: E CAPS, represents a well-known mnemonic that summarizes the key symptoms associated with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Each letter in this mnemonic stands for specific symptoms that clinicians look for when making a diagnosis:

• S: Sleep disturbances (insomnia or hypersomnia)

• I: Interest lost (anhedonia)

• G: Guilt (feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt)

• E: Energy loss (fatigue or loss of energy nearly every day)

• C: Concentration difficulties (indecisiveness or trouble thinking)

• A: Appetite changes (weight loss or gain, or changes in appetite)

• P: Psychomotor agitation or retardation (restlessness or slowed movements)

• S: Suicidal thoughts (recurrent thoughts of death or suicide)

This mnemonic is particularly useful because it condenses complex diagnostic criteria into a simple, memorable format, aiding healthcare professionals in recalling the essential elements of MDD during assessment and treatment planning.

Other mnemonics, such as SHRINK, PAINS, and MAD: D's focus on different aspects of various disorders or suggest different concepts and are not specifically tied to the diagnostic criteria for Major Depressive Disorder, which makes SIG: E CAPS