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Diagnose Depression The Right Way!

By Dr. Nikita Toshi +2 more

Introduction

Depression is a common but critical medical disorder that negatively affects the way you feel, think, and act. The condition induces feelings of sadness, hopelessness and despair, and/or a loss of interest in activities that once seemed enjoyable and pleasurable. Depression can lead to a variety of physical and emotional problems, and may even reduce one’s ability to function at home or work.

How many people are affected by depression globally? According to the reports of the World Health Organization, over 264 million people of all ages suffer from depression worldwide. Who is susceptible to the condition? Although mental illness can affect anyone regardless of gender, studies suggest that women are more likely to be affected by depression than men are.

depression diagnosis

Depression is a lot different from regular mood fluctuations and brief emotional responses to everyday challenges of life. Chronic or long-term depression with severe or moderate intensity may become a serious health condition. Over time, it can go on to interfere with your routine tasks, thought process, and behavioural patterns. What is worse, depression can even lead to suicide.

How Is Depression Diagnosed?

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms associated with depression or if you think you might be suffering from any type of depression, you must follow up with a doctor. If you have never had the condition before, you should start by discussing the symptoms with your healthcare provider. Your doctor may ask you a series of questions that may help with a depression diagnosis. You will likely be asked the following

  • When was the first time you started noticing the symptoms?
  • How are the symptoms affecting your quality of life?
  • An underlying mental health condition you might have
  • Information about a family history of mental illness
  • Whether you are under some OTC and prescription medications or supplements

Be sure to answer all the questions as precisely as possible, as that will help your doctor diagnose depression more accurately.

Clinical depression is diagnosed when an individual has a persistently low or depressed mood, anhedonia or decreased interest in pleasurable activities, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, lack of energy, poor concentration, appetite changes, psychomotor retardation or agitation, sleep disturbances, or suicidal thoughts.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D. in Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology

What Are The Different Methods To Diagnose Depression?

There are no laboratory tests to diagnose mental health problems, such as depression. However, certain tests may be used to rule it out. If your doctor is unable to find any other cause for the symptoms, he/she may refer you to a certified mental health expert for evaluation. You can expect the expert to ask in-depth questions related to the condition or you may be asked to fill out a depression-rating questionnaire.

The following types of questionnaires can be used to gauge your level of depression –

  • Beck Depression Inventory

This BDI consists of 21 self-reported questions on depression. These are designed to help your mental health expert assess your behaviours, symptoms, and moods. Each of the answers is scored on a scale of zero to three to indicate the seriousness of the symptoms.

Some types of depression seem to run in families. Depression causes ongoing, extreme feelings of sadness, helplessness, hopeless, and irritability. These feelings are usually a noticeable change from what’s “normal” for you, and they last for more than two weeks.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD(Pediatrics)
  • Hamilton Depression Rating Scale

This particular questionnaire is designed in a way to determine the gravity of depression in people who have been diagnosed already. Like BDI, the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale2 also consists of 21 questions, each relating to a specific symptom or sign of depression. Multiple-choice answers are given a score of zero through four. Higher the scores, the more severe the condition.

  • Zung Depression Self-rating Scale

This particular screening tool is used to assess the level of depression in individuals suffering from this mood swing disorder. The set of 20 questions gives a score range between 20 and 80. People who are the most depressed usually score between 50 and 69. The condition is said to be severe if the person scores above 69.

Is There Any Treatment For Depression?

Effective treatments are available for severe and moderate depression. Your healthcare provider may offer specific psychological treatments, like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, behavioural activation, and Interpersonal Therapy, along with antidepressant medications, such as SSRIs and TCAs.

Coping with depression can be challenging on its own. You must identify the signs and seek a diagnosis as the soonest. Early depression diagnosis can help prevent the condition from getting worse while proper treatment may help alleviate the signs, improve your overall condition and improve the quality of life, thus allowing you to carry return to your regular self. Read more on the different ways to treat depression.

A good clinical history, physical examination and a Patient Health Questionnaire can usually help diagnose depression very quickly, psychotherapy is often found to be helpful at all the stages.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D. in Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

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