Depression-Doctor.com: Depression Quiz

Guide to Cymbalta - An antidepressant Medication

About Depression

Symptoms

Causes

Diagnosis

Treatment

Depression in Women

Depression in Men

Depression in Older Adults

Depression in Children

Teen Depression

Depression Prevention

Depression and Suicide

Depression during Pregnancy

Diabetes and Depression

Depression Diagnosis

Up to now no common causes for depressive disorders are known that would allow for an etiologically based (true) classification. Neither are there any biological markers available, which would by themselves reliably and validly secure a biologically based diagnostic classification. We have, therefore, to rely mainly on symptoms and the clinical and familial characteristics of the patient in order to formulate a typological diagnostic categorization.

Note-->There are no pathognomonic symptoms or categorical cut-off points on depression measurements that would adequately define and diagnose a ‘‘case’’ of depression.

The diagnosis of depression can be surprisingly difficult. Many people with depression are convinced that they just feel bad because they have a virus or something. The headaches and muscle aches common to depression often make people, and doctors, look for physical reasons for the bad mood. Diagnosis is made even more difficult by the illness itself. Once you are depressed, your view of yourself is distorted. It then seems that your problems are caused by you being worthless, rather than a recognised and easily treatable illness.

How to go about the diagnosis of depression?

1. Get an understanding of the basics, symptoms and causes of depression:

• Learn what are the symptoms of depression
• Learn what can be the causes and factors of depression

2. To start a diagnosis, the first place to go is your GP (general practitioner). He or she will discuss the problem with you first. Then, if necessary, they will refer you to a psychiatrist. Otherwise they may treat you themselves or send you off for some tests to rule out any physical cause. If you don't like the diagnosis they give, make sure you get a second opinion. Hospital consultants are good for this purpose.

3. If you have symptoms of depression, in most cases your GP will ask you to consult a psychologist. A good psychological diagnostic evaluation will include a complete history of your symptoms, i.e., when they started, how long they have lasted, how severe they are, whether you've had them before and, if so, whether you were treated and what treatment you received. Do other family members have had depression and were they treated, what treatments they may have received and which were effective.

4. Know whether you have primary depression or secondary depression.

• Primary depression - depression that has no obvious physical or psychological cause.
• Secondary depression - depression that seems to be caused by some other underlying condition.

5. There are many types of depression. The psychological diagnostic evaluation will include a complete mental status examination to assess the full range of psychological symptoms and problems. Get a thorough understanding of exactly what are your symptoms and what you are suffering from. This will help determine the most appropriate treatment for you.

6. On the outcome of the evaluation, your psychologist will advice you appropriate depression treatment. Most people do well with psychotherapy alone. Psychotherapy will help you to deal with life's problems effectively, and will change the negative thoughts and attitudes that have caused you to develop depression.

Some people may require some antidepressants as well. However, remember that medication does not "cure" depression, it only "relieves" the symptoms.

We hope this page has helped you to understand the diagnosis of depression.

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