The Diagnosis of Depression

By Jonathan Stevens

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.

There are two kinds of this illness: Major depression, or dysthymia which affects mood; and Manic depression or bipolar illness, when feeling low and depressed alternates with recklessness.

It is preferable to visit your family doctor as he will be aware of your previous medical conditions and medical history. The first thing you should do if you suspect that you may be depressed is visit your family doctor for a thorough checkup. 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 this illness.

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

The doctor you visit, family doctor or any other physician, will begin the diagnostic process by asking you a series of questions and those could be :

What are your symptoms?

How long has it been since you've had these symptoms?

How do these signs impact your regular responsibilities?

Have you experienced these symptoms before?

Have you been treated for this illness before?

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

Do any of your relatives have depression?

If so, were your relatives treated for depression and which treatments worked best?

Do you use drugs or drink alcohol?

Have you thought about death or suicide?

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 essential that the family be supportive of the individual suffering from depression through this difficult time. The family needs to extend their love and affection and most importantly their support.

Facts relating to depression :

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

Depression is amongst the top causes of disability worldwide.

Depression can be reliably diagnosed and treated in primary care.

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

In conclusion, depression like most major illnesses can be cured, if it is detected in time and is treated. Family plays an vital role in the treatment. - 32543

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