
To be diagnosed with melancholic features, you must have at least three of these symptoms:
- Depression that is different from grief
- Weight loss or loss of appetite
- Slowed activity or restlessness
- Excessive guilt
- Waking much earlier than normal
- More severe depressive symptoms in the morning
- be very down and flat, especially in the morning.
- show very little emotional expression or response.
- lose their appetite and lose weight.
- sleep badly and wake early in the morning.
- have trouble concentrating and remembering things.
- have strong feelings of hopelessness or guilt.
- think about suicide.
What are the signs of a melancholic personality?
Being sensitive can be a mark of a melancholic personality. Sensitivity is not often valued in modern society. It can be very helpful, however, particularly if you have chosen a profession which is customer-facing, or which involves caring for people. If you have a melancholic personality, you might find yourself crying at movies.
Should I talk to a doctor about my melancholic symptoms?
If you suspect that you have melancholic symptoms, you should talk to a doctor. Antidepressants are the first line of treatment for this condition and can be very effective. 1 There are, however, some things that you can do to help manage your symptoms and complement medication-based treatments.
What is melancholy?
Melancholy is a personality that is strongly affiliated with people that don't sit well with social gatherings or meeting new people. Melancholy could be a personality with many benefits, such as the ability to set time apart for critical thinking, loyalty, and commitment to a task. However, melancholics also tend to be very self-motivated.
What happens when melancholics are push too far?
If melancholics are pushed too far or for too long, however, they may have trouble controlling their anger. Melancholics generally maintain their composure even when surrounded by frenetic activity. Their demeanor projects a certain level of contentment, even when they may be feeling frazzled or out of control.

What does melancholy feel like?
Melancholy is beyond sad: as a noun or an adjective, it's a word for the gloomiest of spirits. Being melancholy means that you're overcome in sorrow, wrapped up in sorrowful thoughts.
How does a melancholic person behave?
A melancholic person is typically very calm and quiet despite his or her powerful internal emotions. These individuals often choose to hide their feelings, preferring to remain calm and quiet even during events that typically elicit extreme joy or anger in others.
What is an example of melancholic?
Melancholic means thoughtfully sad — your summer could be melancholic if you spent the whole season feeling blue, or you might have a melancholic friend who seems sad even when he swears he's having a good time.
What is a perfect melancholy personality?
The perfect melancholic is the thinker, an introvert and a pessimist. The perfect melancholic is analytical, wise and quiet. They are detailed and are energized by thinking. They can be artistic and may be at times, moody.
What makes melancholics happy?
Melancholics should focus on “the most important goals, and allow other things to slide,” the Bennetts say. Remind her of the big picture if she cannot see it herself. If a melancholic friend is anxious about taking a risk, try asking her what is the worst that could happen, the Bennetts suggest.
Who are melancholic attracted to?
Melancholics are attracted to their own type far more than to any other personality type. This is a naturally compatible match and they are most likely to be happy in marriage, and least likely to divorce.
Are melancholics intelligent?
Melancholics are loyal, steadfast, stoic, and pragmatic. Highly emotionally intelligent, melancholics have an astute and shrewd perspective on their mental state as well as the emotional state of others.
Who should a melancholic marry?
The Melancholic-dominated spouse happens to be the best among spouses. This is because their temperament is the richest of all the temperaments. Spouses that belong in this category are usually very analytical, self-sacrificing, and gifted perfectionists whose emotions are also very sensitive.
Is melancholia worse than depression?
Melancholic depression is a type of depression that's also called melancholia. As many as 15%-30% of people with depression have this type. Melancholic depression may have more severe symptoms than other types of depression. It may also be harder to treat than other types of depression.
Are melancholics stubborn?
On the negative side, people with a melancholic personality may become close-minded, dogmatic, and stubborn. They also tend to turn to pessimism which may turn into fatalism, believing that nothing will ever change for better.
How do you communicate with melancholy?
If this is tempting for you, give the melancholic some space. Encourage her to take a bath, a nap, or do something uplifting so that you can have a conversation when she is in a better frame of mind. Remember melancholics are introverts and recharge their batteries when they are alone.
Why do we like melancholy?
Melancholy is something we even desire from time to time, for it provides an opportunity for indulgent self-reflection. We enjoy this time out for reflection, but the pleasure is also connected to recollecting that which we long for, where this reflective element can be even exhilarating or uplifting.
Are melancholics stubborn?
On the negative side, people with a melancholic personality may become close-minded, dogmatic, and stubborn. They also tend to turn to pessimism which may turn into fatalism, believing that nothing will ever change for better.
Who should a melancholic marry?
The Melancholic-dominated spouse happens to be the best among spouses. This is because their temperament is the richest of all the temperaments. Spouses that belong in this category are usually very analytical, self-sacrificing, and gifted perfectionists whose emotions are also very sensitive.
How do you communicate with melancholy?
If this is tempting for you, give the melancholic some space. Encourage her to take a bath, a nap, or do something uplifting so that you can have a conversation when she is in a better frame of mind. Remember melancholics are introverts and recharge their batteries when they are alone.
Why are some people melancholic?
People with melancholia are likely to have a family history of mood issues or suicide. Social and psychological factors rarely contribute to melancholia the way they might with other depression subtypes. Research suggests differences in the brain may be responsible for melancholia.
How to get rid of melancholic depression?
Getting regular exercise. Spending time with friends and loved ones. Eating a healthy diet. Meditation. Following a consistent sleep schedule. It is important to remember, however, that the symptoms of melancholic depression can make all of these things very difficult.
Why is melancholic depression so bad?
Because melancholic depression is characterized by such profound feelings of sadness, loss of pleasure, and lack of interest in daily activities, it can create major disruptions in how a person is able to function in many areas of life.
Why is medication used for melancholic depression?
1 In other words, since it is usually not triggered by outside circumstances, causes of melancholic depression appear to be mainly due to genetic makeup and brain function, necessitating a medication that works on biological causes like brain function.
What is melancholia in 2021?
Updated on July 06, 2021. Eric Audras / Getty Images. Melancholic depression is a form of major depressive disorder (MDD) that is characterized by a profound presentation of severe depression. With this form of depression, there is a complete loss of pleasure in all or almost everything. In the DSM-5, melancholia is a specifier for MDD, ...
Which is better for melancholic depression: SSRIs or parnate?
The main medications in this class are Parnate (tranylcypromine), Nardil (phenelzine), and Marplan (isocarboxazid). Research suggests that melancholic depression responds better to tricyclic antidepressants than to SSRIs, psychotherapy, or social interventions.
How to help mood?
Lifestyle modifications that may help improve your mood include: 5 . Getting regular exercise.
What are the symptoms of depression?
Depression that is different from grief. Weight loss or loss of appetite. Slowed activity or restlessness. Excessive guilt. Waking much earlier than normal. More severe depressive symptoms in the morning. Your doctor will also rule out other conditions.
What Are Melancholic Personality Characteristics & Traits?
Here are some of the most common characteristics and traits of someone who has a Melancholic personality type:
Melancholic Personality Examples
Melancholic personality types are often deep thinkers with a rich inner life.
Challenges of Having a Melancholic Personality Type
Melancholic individuals are often described as introspective, thoughtful, and analytical.
What are the symptoms of melancholic depression?
People with melancholic depression may experience symptoms of MDD, such as: loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable. experiencing changes in body movement (for example, jiggling your leg when you didn’t before) difficulty concentrating, making decisions, and remembering things.
What are the melancholic features of MDD?
They may also experience melancholic features of MDD, which include: loss of pleasure in all or most daily activities. lack of reactivity to positive news and events. deep feelings of despair and worthlessness. sleep disruptions. significant weight loss.
What is the best medication for melancholic disorder?
These include well-known medications, such as fluoxetine (Prozac), citalopram (Celexa), or paroxetine (Paxil). However, many people who have MDD with melancholic features may respond better to older antidepressants such as the tricyclic antidepressants or monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), as well as serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, such as venlafaxine (Effexor). These medications help inhibit the breakdown of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, resulting in higher amounts of these “feel good” chemicals. Sometimes, certain atypical antipsychotics such as Abilify (aripiprazole) may be used to augment the effects of antidepressants.
Which antidepressants are good for melancholics?
However, many people who have MDD with melancholic features may respond better to older antidepressants such as the tricyclic antidepressants or monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), as well as serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, such as venlafaxine (Effexor).
Which features are more likely to occur in people who frequently experience severe symptoms of MDD?
Melancholic features are more likely to occur in people who frequently experience severe symptoms of MDD. They are also seen more often in those who have MDD with psychotic features.
Is melancholic depression a type of depression?
The APA no longer recognizes melancholic depression as a distinct form of depression, and it is listed as a type of MDD. When someone shows signs of depression and melancholia, the diagnosis is “major depressive disorder with melancholic features.” To make this diagnosis, a doctor will usually ask some of the following questions:
Does MDD affect mood?
It may also impact mood and behavior as well as various physical functions, such as appetite and sleep. People with MDD often lose interest in activities they once enjoyed and have trouble getting through the day. Occasionally, they may also feel as if life isn’t worth living.
What does it mean when someone is melancholic?
A melancholic person is typically very calm and quiet despite his or her powerful internal emotions . These individuals often choose to hide their feelings, preferring to remain calm and quiet even during events that typically elicit extreme joy or anger in others. If melancholics are pushed too far or for too long, however, they may have trouble controlling their anger.
What is the melancholic temperament?
Loyalty. The melancholic temperament tends toward a fierce loyalty to friends, family members, coworkers, and employers. Their loyalty must be earned, but once it's earned, individuals with this temperament are loyal for life. They are quick to commit and make promises to individuals they trust and respect.
Why do melancholics become inactive?
In social situations, they may jump to unfounded conclusions or suspicions. Any negative thought patterns are often exacerbated by their penchant for overthinking. People with a melancholic temperament can become inactive due to excessive self-reflection or regrets about the past.
Why are melancholics so analytical?
Because melancholics are naturally analytical and perfectionistic, they know their limits. You will rarely see a person with a melancholic temperament take on more than they can handle. They know exactly what they can and cannot accomplish. When asked to exceed their limitations, they aren't afraid to speak up and be honest about their inability to complete a task or assignment. Because of this quality, they're almost always able to meet reasonable deadlines.
Why are melancholics task oriented?
Task Oriented. Because people with a melancholic temperament are introverted, they are often task oriented rather than people oriented. Individuals with this temperament love having a list of chores to complete. They prefer to stay busy, and they tackle their daily to-do list with relish.
What are the characteristics of a choleric temperament?
They are determined, driven, and goal oriented. Those with a sanguine temperament are lively and enthusiastic.
What is a sanguine temperament?
Those with a sanguine temperament are lively and enthusiastic. They're often described as outgoing, fun-loving individuals. Folks with a melancholic temperament tend to be perfectionists. They are sensitive individuals who are empathetic and often quiet. (More on this temperament later.)
What You Should Know If You Are or Dealing With A Melancholic?
Melancholic personalities have an interesting way of dealing with life since they are different from others, which makes them unique on their own.
What Are The Recognizable Signs Of Someone Who is Melancholy?
To understand whether it’s you who has a melancholic personality or someone else, there are various signs that can help you notice your temperament.
What Does Melancholic Personality Mean?
Melancholic personalities are one of the types in four different temperaments.
What Are The Strengths And Weakness Of Melancholic Personality?
To know what kind of strengths does the personality have, here is the list of melancholic strength you should consider
What Are The Best Careers For Melancholy?
The personality has the strength that makes them more suitable IN certain careers.
How To Approach A Melancholic Personality?
Well, the melancholic personality has a deep self-awareness as well as an extreme level of awareness when it comes to criticism.
What To Know When Melancholic Personality Is In Love And Relationship?
Well, other temperaments have a much easier way to connect and deal with but when items become melancholic, it’s a whole new story.
How many questions are asked in the temperament test?
The test consists of only eight questions; to avoid errors, think of your most typical behavior and answer accordingly. Your predominant temperament is the one where you have the highest score; your secondary temperament is where you have your second highest score (obviously!). 1.
Is choleric a pure temperament?
Choleric. Melancholic. It’s very rare to have one pure temperament. If you are like most people, you have one predominant and one secondary temperaments, in which case you should read both profiles. Another thing you can do is to translate your temperament combo into a four-letter personality type Myers-Briggs style.

Symptoms
Causes
- The start of these episodes is usually notcaused by a specific event. Even when something good happens, the individual's mood does not improve—not even for a short time. The exact causes of depression are not clear, but genetics, family history, past trauma, brain chemistry, and hormones may all play a role.3Melancholic depression, however, is believed to have strong biological origin…
Diagnosis
- A doctor will start with an evaluation to assess the nature, severity, and duration of your symptoms. Some of the questions they may ask include: 1. Has your daily routine changed? 2. Do you still enjoy the things you used to like doing? 3. Do you have trouble getting out of bed in the morning? 4. How do you sleep? 5. Are your symptoms worse in the morning? 6. Is it difficult for …
Treatment
- For melancholic depression, medication is often part of the treatment plan because it is believed to have a biological root.1In other words, since it is usually not triggered by outside circumstances, causes of melancholic depression appear to be mainly due to genetic makeup and brain function, necessitating a medication that works on biological causes like brain function. Ty…
Coping
- Because melancholic depression is characterized by such profound feelings of sadness, loss of pleasure, and lack of interest in daily activities, it can create major disruptions in how a person is able to function in many areas of life. If you suspect that you have melancholic symptoms, you should talk to a doctor. Antidepressants are the first line of treatment for this condition and can …
A Word from Verywell
- Melancholic depression can have a serious impact on your work, school, social, and home life. Fortunately, there are effective treatments that can help. If you have symptoms of depression, talk to a doctor who can rule out other causes and recommend treatment options that can help you regain balance.
Classification
Symptoms
- MDD is a significant mental health condition characterized by persistent and intense feelings of sadness and hopelessness. The disorder can affect many areas of life, including work, school, and relationships. It may also impact mood and behavior as well as various physical functions, such as appetite and sleep. People with MDD often lose interest in activities they once enjoyed a…
Prognosis
- The severity and type of MDD symptoms vary greatly from person to person. Some people experience traditional symptoms of MDD, while others develop additional syndromes, such as melancholia and catatonia. Most symptoms can be managed with treatment, which may consist of medication and talk therapy.
Epidemiology
- Melancholic features are more likely to occur in people who frequently experience severe symptoms of MDD. They are also seen more often in those who have MDD with psychotic features.
Diagnosis
- The APA no longer recognizes melancholic depression as a distinct form of depression, and it is listed as a type of MDD. When someone shows signs of depression and melancholia, the diagnosis is major depressive disorder with melancholic features. To make this diagnosis, a doctor will usually ask some of the following questions:
Treatment
- MDD is often treated with newer antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These include well-known medications, such as fluoxetine (Prozac), citalopram (Celexa), or paroxetine (Paxil). However, many people who have MDD with melancholic features may respond better to older antidepressants such as the tricyclic antidepressants or monoamine oxi…
Results
- Group therapy can help in a similar way and give you the ability to share your feelings with people who can relate.
Prevention
- If you think someone is considering suicide, get help from a crisis or suicide prevention hotline. Try the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255.