SIG E CAPS
acrostic/ˈsɪɡ iː kæps/
Psychiatry
Definition
1.The symptoms of a major depressive episode.
Expansion
- SSleep — insomnia or hypersomnia
- IInterest — anhedonia — loss of pleasure
- GGuilt — or feelings of worthlessness
- EEnergy — fatigue or loss of energy
- CConcentration — poor focus, indecisiveness
- AAppetite — change in appetite or weight
- PPsychomotor — agitation or retardation
- SSuicidality — recurrent thoughts of death
Notes
To diagnose a major depressive episode (DSM-5) you need ≥5 of these symptoms for ≥2 weeks, and at least one must be depressed mood or anhedonia. SIG E CAPS captures the rest.
The flourish is that it reads like a prescription — Sig: energy capsules — the Latin signa ("write on the label") that opens every drug order.
Origin
A doctor's prescription in disguise — 'Sig: E. CAPS' — for the symptoms of depression.