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.
