Things To Know About Diagnosis of Depression
The diagnosis of depression entails checking if an individual has symptoms for the major part of the day, and almost daily, for a minimum of 2 weeks. Some significant symptoms for adults include loss of interest in many activities and a generally depressed mood. The major depressive disorder diagnosis in children includes checking for signs such as irritability, hostility, or aggression.
This article gives more details about the depression diagnosis test.
How is Depression Diagnosed?
Major depression diagnosis is crucial for individuals showing symptoms. It helps to tell the medical practitioner if an individual is faced with the condition. The physician can diagnose depression using any of the following ways:
- Conduct a physical exam, in which the doctor will ask questions about your general health and feelings. The practitioner will want to know if your condition affects your daily life (mentally and physically).
Thus, the doctor may also want to know more about:
- Your medical history: (Sometimes, depression may stem from an underlying health problem)
- Previous mental health issues (if any)
- Your lifestyle
- Your home environment
- Possible triggers, such as any recent stressful events
- Carry out lab tests. The doctor may conduct a complete blood count (CBC) or test your thyroid to rule out the possibility of underactive thyroid functioning.
- Conduct a psychiatric exam. The mental health professional can evaluate your symptoms, behaviour patterns, thoughts, and feelings. Sometimes, the doctor may ask you to fill out a questionnaire to help answer all the necessary questions.
- DSM-5 (The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders): The mental health professional may use this criteria as a standard classification for mental disorders.