Are you also depressed? (Depression) - How does a doctor accurately diagnose this disease?

We all feel sad and depressed at times in our lives. It is very normal. However, feeling sad in this normal way and being diagnosed with depression, which is a medical condition, are two completely different things. This should be diagnosed and diagnosed by a qualified doctor. He or she will examine you and, if necessary, use a depression diagnosis questionnaire to determine what kind of condition you have.

Simply put, there is no single blood test or scan that can directly tell you if you have depression. Instead, a doctor will do tests to rule out other conditions (such as hypothyroidism), use a depression screening questionnaire, and have a good conversation with you.

Why is it challenging to recognize depression?

Depression can be a little difficult to diagnose at times, because it affects everyone differently. For example, when someone is depressed, they become very quiet and lose interest in anything. That is, they become mentally isolated. But others can become very irritable and restless.

It's the same with eating, drinking, and sleeping. One person eats too much or sleeps too much. But another person completely abandons eating, drinking, and sleeping. Sometimes, no matter how big a mental breakdown someone has on the inside, the outward symptoms can be very subtle. That's why it's a little complicated to recognize this exactly.

What are the main types of depression?

In the past, all mental illnesses were lumped together, but now, with advances in medical science, it is possible to identify exactly what type of depression you have. This classification is very important, because the treatments for each type are different .

To give a few examples:

• Major Depressive Disorder: This is the main type we usually talk about when we talk about depression.
• Dysthymia: A state of sadness that persists at a low level for years.
• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Although this is not very common in our country, it is a depressive condition that occurs during periods of low sunlight (e.g. winter). This shows that the causes can vary for each type.
• Perinatal/Postpartum Depression: Depression that occurs in mothers (and sometimes fathers) after having a baby.

Once your doctor has identified the exact type you have, he or she will provide you with the most appropriate treatment plan.

The criteria a doctor uses to diagnose depression

There are clear criteria lists that help doctors identify different types of depression. Let's look at this information in a table.

Physical tests to check for depression

When your doctor first examines you, he or she will likely do some basic medical tests. Remember, these tests are not done to directly diagnose depression. They are done to rule out other physical conditions that could be causing your symptoms.

• Blood tests: Check for things like thyroid hormone levels, liver and kidney function, and vitamin deficiencies. Changes in these can also cause symptoms similar to depression.
• Brain scans: A ``(CT)`` or ``(MRI)`` scan may be done to make sure there is no serious condition such as a brain tumor.
• Other tests: If a heart condition is suspected, an electrocardiogram (EKG) or an EEG test to check the electrical activity of the brain may be performed.

Screening Tests to Help Diagnose Depression

After talking to you, your doctor may ask you a series of questions. These are questionnaires specifically designed to diagnose depression. These are just one part of the diagnostic process. The answers to these questions will help your doctor gain a deeper understanding of your mental health.

For example, there are two very simple but very effective questions:

1. "During the past month, have you often felt sad, frustrated, or hopeless?"

2. "Over the past month, have you lost interest or pleasure in things you usually enjoy?"

Your answers will determine what your doctor will do next. However, these questionnaires alone cannot be used to make a diagnosis. They are not a substitute for a discussion with a doctor, but rather an aid. Therefore, it is very important to answer these questions as honestly as possible .

What can you do to help the doctor ?

It can be a little difficult to make up your mind to go to a doctor and talk about something like this. But if you go in prepared, it will make you feel a lot better.

The most important thing is to be as open and honest as possible about your feelings and symptoms when talking to your doctor. The more information your doctor has, the easier it will be for him to accurately diagnose your condition and provide you with a successful treatment plan.

Before you go to see the doctor, write down these things on a piece of paper:

• Mental and physical problems you are experiencing (e.g. constant headaches, feeling sad)
• Unusual changes in your behavior
• Whether anyone in your family has had depression or other mental illnesses before
• All medications you are currently taking (prescribed and over-the-counter)
• Any additional vitamins or herbal products you take
• Your lifestyle habits (exercise, diet, smoking, alcohol use)
• Causes of stress in your life (e.g., marital problems, work problems)
• Questions you need to know about depression and treatment

How do you know when to ask for help?

The biggest obstacle to diagnosing and treating depression is recognizing that someone has the condition. Sadly, about half of people with depression never get diagnosed or seek treatment. Not getting treatment can be life-threatening.

In particular, if you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, do not delay. Go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. It can be a matter of life and death, so do not take it lightly.

Depression, Mental Health, Depression Symptoms, Depression Treatment, Depression Diagnosis, Doctor