Depression Diagnosis and Tests

Diagnosing Depression is very important because most cases go unnoticed and ignored. It takes an alert family and sympathetic doctor to know that something is not quite right.

History Taking: A doctor will note down all symptoms in detail including changes in behaviour and actions, frequency of symptoms, etc.
Family history: A careful evaluation of family history is also a guide to diagnosis.
Evaluation: A physical examination is necessary to detect presence of any physical condition that can augment or be a consequence of depression.
Mental Health Assessment Test: A list of carefully drawn questions can help to establish diagnosis. Such a test also helps to distinguish from other psychiatric illnesses.
Laboratory tests: Blood tests determining the presence of Diabetes or Thyroid disease help in correlating symptoms of the patient.
In the Child: It becomes more difficult to diagnose Depression in a child because symptoms are vague in most cases. A gentle approach, insight, knowledge of Depression and circumspection is necessary.