Depression and how is it diagnosed

ichhori team
Depression and How It Is Diagnosed

Depression and How It Is Diagnosed

Depression—also known as major depressive disorder (MDD)—is a common yet serious mood disorder. It’s diagnosed based on specific criteria, symptom duration, and screening tools that help ensure accurate evaluation. Early detection enables timely treatment with therapy, medication, or both.

🔍 Diagnostic Criteria (DSM‑5)

  • At least five symptoms nearly every day for ≥2 weeks, including either depressed mood or loss of interest/pleasure :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
  • Other possible symptoms: appetite or weight changes, sleep disturbance, low energy, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, trouble concentrating, psychomotor changes, or suicidal thoughts :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
  • Symptoms cause significant distress or impairment in daily life and are not due to substance use or another medical condition :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.

📝 Screening Tools & Questionnaires

  • PHQ‑9: Self-administered 9‑item questionnaire mapping DSM‑5 criteria. Scores ≥10 suggest moderate to severe depression; widely used in primary care :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
  • Beck Depression Inventory (BDI‑II): 21-question tool assessing symptom severity. Scores classify minimal to severe depression :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
  • Other scales: Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), Geriatric Depression Scale, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.

👩‍⚕️ Clinical Diagnosis Process

  • Initial medical evaluation to rule out physical causes (e.g., thyroid issues) :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
  • Structured clinical interview by a healthcare provider using DSM‑5 criteria and screening tools :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
  • Assessment includes personal/family mental health history, lifestyle factors, and suicidal thoughts :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.

📊 Types of Depressive Disorders

  • Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): Episodic, often severe—meets full DSM‑5 criteria :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.
  • Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia/PDD): Chronic low-grade depression lasting ≥2 years (adults), with at least 2 other symptoms :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.
  • Other forms include postpartum depression, seasonal affective disorder, bipolar-related, psychotic, and substance-induced depression :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.

🩺 Why Accurate Diagnosis Matters

  • Guides appropriate treatment—therapy, medication, or combination :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.
  • Helps monitor progress using symptom scales (PHQ‑9, BDI, MADRS) :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.
  • Enables early intervention to reduce impairment and improve outcomes :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.

➡️ What to Do If You’re Concerned

  1. Speak to your primary care doctor or mental health professional about your symptoms.
  2. Complete a PHQ‑9 or BDI assessment.
  3. Work with a provider for history-taking, physical exam, and structured interview.
  4. Begin a personalized treatment plan and schedule follow-ups to track symptom changes.
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