How Is Depression Diagnosed?
Although common, depression is often ignored or wrongly diagnosed and left untreated. This can be life-threatening; major depression, in particular, has a high suicide rate.
If you or a loved one have symptoms of depression, seek help from a qualified health care professional. Many primary care doctors diagnose and treat depression. Screenings for depression are now often part of a routine visit to your doctor. But if your symptoms get a lot worse or do not improve within 4 to 8 weeks of treatment, ask your doctor for a referral to a psychiatrist for diagnosis and treatment. Clearly, for more severe symptoms — and always if you have thoughts about death or hurting yourself or someone else — you should see a psychiatrist as soon as possible.
To diagnose depression, your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and family history. They may want you to fill out a questionnaire about your symptoms. You may get medical tests to rule out other conditions that may be causing your symptoms, such as a lack of certain nutrients, underactive thyroid or hormone levels, or reactions to drugs (either prescription or recreational) or alcohol.
