| Sleep Problems - Problems with falling asleep or early morning awakening OR Increased sleep | Yes No |
| Interest - Decreased interest/pleasure in activities previously enjoyed | Yes No |
| Guilt - Guilt or sense of worthlessness or hopelessness | Yes No |
| Energy - Decrease in energy / fatigue | Yes No |
| Concentration - Impaired concentration | Yes No |
| Appetite - Increase or decrease in appetite (Weight gain or loss) | Yes No |
| Psychomotor- Agitation or Retardation (flat affect, decreased gesturing) | Yes No |
| Suicidal - Suicidal ideation, attempt or plan | Yes No |
| Additional item - Depressed mood permeating daily life for 2 weeks of more | Yes No |
The SIG E CAPS mnemonic is a quick reminder of 8 of the 9 DSM-IV criteria for major depression.
| Letter of Mnemonic | Detailed Discussion |
| S | Sleep Problems: Problems with falling asleep or early morning awakening OR Increased sleep |
| I | Interest: Decreased interest/pleasure in activities previously enjoyed |
| G | Guilt: Guilt or sense of worthlessness or hopelessness |
| E | Energy: Decrease in energy / fatigue |
| C | Concentration: Impaired concentration |
| A | Appetite: Increase or decrease in appetite (Weight gain or loss) |
| P | Psychomotor: Agitation or Retardation (flat affect, decreased gesturing) |
| S | Suicidal: Suicidal ideation, attempt or plan |
| * | Additional item: Depressed mood permeating daily life for 2 weeks of more |
| 5 of the 9 symptoms above must be present for the diagnosis of major depression |