What is the Meaning of Sigecaps?
In the beginning, physicians once used the abbreviation “sig” to mean directions on prescriptions. Energy capsules or “e” caps was the original name of antidepressants according to the University of Nebraska Medical Center. This is how sigecaps and depression became linked together.Â
Medical doctors and professionals use sigecaps questions to diagnose depression.
How to Use the Sigecaps Depression Mnemonic
The S of Sigecaps stands for Sleep.
The first sigecaps question to screen for depression is regarding sleep:
Have you noticed an increase of sleep during the day?
Or are you sleeping less at night?
Ask about sleep habits because excessive daytime sleep and/or insufficient nighttime sleep are both indicators of depression.
I Stands for Interest Loss
Next, the I of sigecaps stands for loss of interest in daily activities.
Therefore, the next sigecaps question is:
Have you experienced a loss of interest in activities that you once found enjoyable?
This is because a loss of interest in such activities is a sign of depression.
G is for a Question about Guilt
Are you feeling guilty or unworthy?
Do you have low self esteem and sense of worthlessness?
Depressed individuals struggle with guilt.
E Stands for Energy
The E stands for energy and is the fourth question of sigecaps screening.
Do you feel fatigued?
Do you feel a lack of energy?
A common symptom of depression is fatigue, and a lack of energy.
Some people characterize the lack of energy as feeling “burnt out”.
They all boil down to the same problem, lack of energy.
C is to Assess Concentration
Next is the C of sigecaps.
The C represents concentration. Â
Do you have difficulty concentrating? Â
Reduced concentration is a hallmark of depression. Especially together with other depression symptoms.
A is for Appetite
The A in the old sig e caps acronym stands for appetite. Â Have you lost your appetite?
Have you lost enjoyment in food, or, are you bingeing on food? Â A loss or increase of appetite is another of the classic signs of depression.
P Stands for Psychomotor Agitation or Retardation
Are you feeling more anxious and cannot sit still? Â Or, are you more lethargic and very slow in your movements?
Increased agitation or much slower movements are signs of depression.
S Stands for Suicidal Ideation
The S of the sig e caps stands for suicidal ideation. Are you preoccupied with thoughts of death? Do you have a plan to commit suicide?
Suicidal ideation is the most urgent sign of depression and requires immediate treatment.
Very nice article.
Explained all the possible reasons and remedies for Depression.
Thanks and Regards.