How depression is diagnosed?

Understanding and knowing what to expect when you’re seeking help with depression can be helpful. When you visit with your doctor or mental health provider with concerns about depression, there are a series of things they’ll do to help determine whether you’re experiencing depression. Determining your diagnosis can help your doctor and therapist create a treatment plan that will be most beneficial.

There are no lab tests to diagnose depression, but laboratory tests may be used to check for underlying medical conditions that may contribute to symptoms you’re experiencing. This is because a few conditions can cause symptoms of depression, and identifying and treating any underlying medical condition may clear symptoms of depression.

Your doctor may refer you to a licensed counselor or therapist for a full evaluation, or they may diagnose you based on symptom presentation. Medical and mental health professionals will ask questions about your mood, behaviors, and daily life. Part of your evaluation may include taking your family’s psychological history.

Some symptoms that medical and mental health professionals look for are:

• Lack of interest or pleasure in formerly enjoyed activities
• Sadness or depressed mood
• Fatigue or low energy
• Difficulty sleeping
• Change in appetite
• Inability to focus
• Feelings of guilt and low self-worth
• Thoughts of death.

Clinicians also sometimes use a questionnaire like the Beck Depression Inventory or BDI to see their symptoms, severity, and length. The BDI is a short self-report test with 21 items and is a research-supported tool for determining and treating depression symptoms.

There are multiple depression diagnoses, and what symptoms you present with, the amount of time you’ve experienced them, and their severity will determine which diagnosis is appropriate. Finding the correct diagnosis is vital as it helps both your medical doctor and therapist create a plan for treatment that will meet your needs. Some depression diagnoses include:

• Major depressive disorder (this diagnosis most common)
• Seasonal affective disorder
• Dysthymia
• Postpartum depression
• Bipolar disorder
• Cyclothymia

Treatment can take many forms, including medication, therapy, or a combination of both, depending on your preferences and your specific needs. If you’re experiencing symptoms of depression, speak with your doctor or licensed mental health professional.