Diagnosing Depression

First of all, there are exams and tests which can help rule out other problems that could be causing your symptoms, pinpoint a diagnosis and check for any related complications:

• Diagnosing Depression by Physical exam. Your doctor may do a physical exam and ask questions about your health. In some cases, depression may be linked to an underlying physical health problem.
• Diagnosing Depression by Lab tests. For example, your doctor may do a blood test called a complete blood count or test your thyroid to make sure it’s functioning properly.
• Diagnosing Depression by Psychological evaluation. Expect your doctor or mental health provider to ask about your symptoms, thoughts, feelings and behavior patterns. Also, You may be asked to fill out a questionnaire to help answer these questions.
• Diagnosing Depression by DSM-5. Your mental health professional may use the criteria for depression listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association. Thus, This manual is used by mental health providers to diagnose mental conditions and by insurance companies to reimburse for treatment.

 

Types of depression

Symptoms caused by major depression can vary from person to person. To clarify the type of depression you have, your doctor may add one or more specifiers. A specifier means that you have depression with specific features, such as:

• Anxious distress — depression with unusual restlessness or worry about possible events or loss of control
• Mixed features — simultaneous depression and mania, which includes elevated self-esteem, talking too much and increased energy
• Melancholic features — severe depression with lack of response to something that used to bring pleasure and associated with early morning awakening, worsened mood in the morning, major changes in appetite, and feelings of guilt, agitation or sluggishness
• Atypical features — depression that includes the ability to be cheered by happy events, increased appetite, excessive need for sleep, sensitivity to rejection, and a heavy feeling in arms or legs
• Psychotic features — depression accompanied by delusions or hallucinations, which may involve personal inadequacy or other negative themes
• Catatonia — depression that includes motor activity that involves either uncontrollable and purposeless movement or fixed and inflexible posture
• Peripartum onset — depression that occurs during pregnancy or in the weeks or months after delivery (postpartum)
• Seasonal pattern — depression related to changes in seasons and reduced exposure to sunlight

Other disorders that cause depression symptoms

Several other disorders, such as those below, include depression as a symptom. It’s important to get an accurate diagnosis, so you can get appropriate treatment.

• Bipolar I and II disorders. These mood disorders include mood swings that range from highs to lows. Thus, It’s sometimes difficult to distinguish between bipolar disorder and depression.
• Cyclothymic disorder. Cyclothymic (sy-kloe-THIE-mik) disorder involves highs and lows that are milder than those of bipolar disorder.
• Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder. This mood disorder in children includes chronic and severe irritability and anger with frequent extreme temper outbursts. This disorder typically develops into depressive disorder or anxiety disorder during the teen years or adulthood.
• Persistent depressive disorder. Sometimes called dysthymia (dis-THIE-me-uh), this is a less severe but more chronic form of depression. While it’s usually not disabling, the persistent depressive disorder can prevent you from functioning normally in your daily routine and from living life to its fullest.
• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder. This involves depression symptoms associated with hormone changes that begin a week before and improve within a few days after the onset of your period, and are minimal or gone after completion of your period.
• Other depression disorders. This includes depression that’s caused by the use of recreational drugs, some prescribed medications or another medical condition.

In conclusion, depression is a treatable medical problem but needs treatment by an experienced psychologist.

Learn more about Dr. Prerna Kohli

“You can talk with a close friend or relative about what’s troubling you, but it’s not the same as a professionally-trained experienced psychologist who knows exactly what kind of help you need – Dr. Prerna Kohli.”

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About Dr. Prerna Kohli

First of all, Dr. Kohli believes that “You can talk with a close friend or relative about what’s troubling you, but it’s not the same as a professionally-trained experienced psychologist who knows exactly what kind of help you need.”

Furthermore, she is a 100 women Achievers Award Winner (2016) from the Honorable President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee.

Dr. Prerna Kohli is a Clinical Psychologist, a Public Speaker, a Workshop Facilitator and a Holistic Practitioner. She offers Heart-based workshops and lectures that focus on Life Balance, Self-awareness, and Inner Peace. Consequently she is dedicated to sharing her knowledge and compassion with others. Prerna blends intuitive wisdom with a solid understanding. And creating a powerful holistic approach, specializing in the areas of Emotional change.

Dr. Prerna Kohli is a leading Psychologist in India. Consequently, with over 20 years of experience and has been providing families, individuals, parents and children counseling on being happy.