Hello Julie
There is not definitive test that can diagnose depression but your doctor will check you for a multitude of things. First a general practitioner should rule out medical causes. Once the medical causes are ruled out a referral to a mental health doctor should be made.
While you are there they will assess your over all condition and ask you several questions. Such as how long have you had these symptoms, have you been treated for depression before, how severe are the symptoms and a multitude of other questions.
In order to have a definitive diagnosis of depression several conditions have to be met. These include:
- A depressed mood for most of the day
- A lack of interest in formerly pleasant activities
- Frequent episodes of crying and lack of hope
- Suicidal thoughts
- Feeling of worthlessness
- Chronic fatigue nearly every day
- Diminished ability to think clearly
- Insomnia or Hypersomnia (to much sleep) nearly every day
- Significant weight loss when not dieting.
In order to have a diagnosis of depression some of these symptoms have to be present for for at least 2 weeks consecutively. It does not necessarily mean that all of them have to be present for 2 weeks consecutively but a certain proportion must be consistent.
If you would like more information on depression I am attaching a link that may be useful to you:
I hope this information has been useful to you. I also hope that you find the answers you need with proper help.
Good luck
Sincerely,
Bunny
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