When clinicians evaluate someone for depression, they often use a simple acronym to remember its key symptoms: SIGECAPS.
Each letter stands for a specific sign of depression, helping both professionals and individuals recognize patterns that may indicate a mood disorder.
At Launch Centers, we use evidence-based approaches to identify and treat the full range of depressive symptoms — helping young adults and professionals regain energy, motivation, and purpose through therapy and structured outpatient programs.
What Is SIGECAPS?
SIGECAPS is a mnemonic tool used by mental health professionals to screen for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).
It covers the eight core symptoms of depression, providing a clear framework for assessment and discussion.
Here’s what each letter stands for:
| Letter | Symptom | Description |
| S | Sleep Changes | Difficulty sleeping (insomnia) or sleeping too much (hypersomnia). |
| I | Interest Loss | Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed — known as anhedonia. |
| G | Guilt (or Worthlessness) | Feelings of guilt, shame, or low self-esteem without clear reason. |
| E | Energy Decrease | Persistent fatigue or lack of motivation even after rest. |
| C | Concentration Problems | Trouble focusing, making decisions, or remembering details. |
| A | Appetite Changes | Eating significantly more or less than usual; noticeable weight change. |
| P | Psychomotor Changes | Either slowed physical movements or restlessness/agitation. |
| S | Suicidal Thoughts | Thoughts of death or suicide, which require immediate professional support. |
How SIGECAPS Helps Identify Depression
The SIGECAPS framework gives clinicians — and individuals — a structured way to evaluate depressive symptoms.
To meet the criteria for Major Depressive Disorder, a person typically experiences five or more of these symptoms for at least two weeks, with at least one being depressed mood or loss of interest/pleasure.
However, even if you don’t meet all the criteria, persistent symptoms such as fatigue, loss of motivation, or emotional numbness may still indicate a treatable form of depression.
Understanding the Emotional Impact
Depression affects more than mood — it impacts relationships, productivity, and overall quality of life. Many young adults describe feeling “mentally checked out,” unable to focus or care about things that once mattered.
This emotional detachment is common and treatable with therapy and structured support.
At Launch Centers, we help clients break the cycle of avoidance, shame, and disconnection by focusing on:
- Individual Therapy (CBT & DBT) to change negative thinking patterns
- Group Therapy for peer support and accountability
- Family Therapy to rebuild understanding and connection
- Life Skills & Career Coaching to restore confidence and purpose
Treatment Options for Depression
If you recognize multiple SIGECAPS symptoms, it’s important to seek professional evaluation.
Treatment for depression can include:
- Therapy (CBT, DBT, or trauma-informed modalities)
- Medication management (if prescribed by a psychiatrist)
- Lifestyle and behavioral changes
- Structured care programs, such as our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) and Virtual Evening IOP, which combine therapy, accountability, and flexibility.
Our clinicians work with each client to develop a personalized treatment plan focused on long-term recovery and renewed motivation.
Clinically Reviewed By: Jess Beck, LCSW
Jess comes to Launch Centers with over a decade of experience in mental health and addiction treatment with both adolescents and adults. As the former Acting Director of the Addictive Behaviors Clinic at the West Los Angeles Veterans Affairs Medical Center, she developed expertise in the field of evidenced-based addiction treatment. During her tenure at the VA medical center, Jess trained colleagues on therapeutic practices and provided treatment to hundreds of at-risk veterans.
