The Diagnosis of Depression

Depression is a disorder that manifests itself through symptoms like loss of interest or pleasure, feelings of guilt or low self-worth, disturbed sleep or appetite, low energy, and poor concentration. These problems can become chronic and lead to substantial impairments in an individual’s ability to take care of his or her everyday responsibilities. In a severe case of depression, the individual suffering from depression may resort to committing suicide.

Depression is of 2 types: The sad kind, also known as major depression, or dysthymia; and manic depression or bipolar illness, when feeling low and depressed alternates with being wild and reckless.

The first thing you should do if you suspect that you may be depressed is visit your family doctor for a thorough checkup. It is preferable to visit your family doctor as he will be aware of your previous medical conditions and medical history. If you are unable to or maybe embarrassed to visit your family doctor, any other general physician will serve the same purpose. There should never be any embarrassment or apprehension when coping with depression.

An individual should be absolutely sure by before taking any kind of medication and self medicating since some other medical conditions can cause depression symptoms, such as vitamin and mineral deficiencies, female hormonal changes and thyroid conditions.

The family doctor or other physician you visit, will begin his diagnosis by asking you a series of questions. Questions that you may be asked include:

What are your symptoms?

Since when have you experienced these symptoms?

How seriously do these symptoms affect your daily activities?

Have you experienced these symptoms before?

Have you been prescribed any medication for depression before?

If so, what treatments were you given and which worked best?

Any of your close relatives diagnosed with depression?

If so, were your relatives treated for depression and of the treatments given to them, which worked best?

Do you consume alcohol or take drugs?

Have you been thinking about death or suicide recently?

There is no current laboratory test that can be used to diagnose depression. Depression is diagnosed based on your reported symptoms, signs that your doctor observes during the interview, your medical history and your family’s medical history. Depression occurs in persons of all genders, ages, and backgrounds.

It is very important that the family be supportive through this difficult time. The family needs to extend their love and affection and most importantly their support towards the person suffering from depression.

Facts relating to depression :

Depression is common, affecting close to 121 million people worldwide.

Depression is one of the leading causes of disability around the world.

Depression can be diagnosed and treated in primary care.

Fewer than 25 % of those suffering from depression have access to treatment.

In conclusion, depression like most illnesses can be cured, only if it is detected in time and is treated. Family plays an important role in the treatment.

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