Which symptom is included in the SIGECAPS criteria for diagnosing depression?

The SIGECAPS criteria are a mnemonic used to help identify symptoms of major depressive disorder. Each letter stands for a specific symptom related to depression. In this context, decreased appetite is indeed one of the core symptoms associated with depression. It reflects a significant change in a person's eating habits and can lead to weight loss or other health issues. This symptom is important in diagnosing depression because changes in appetite can profoundly affect physical health and overall well-being.

This criterion emphasizes that the presence of decreased appetite can signal the severity of depressive symptoms and is often used in clinical assessments to understand the impact of depression on daily life. Notably, other symptoms in the SIGECAPS criterion include sleep disturbances, loss of interest or pleasure in activities, and feelings of worthlessness, all vital for establishing a diagnosis.