Reviewer: Shi Yingying (People’s Liberation Army General Hospital Hainan Hospital)
The biggest difficulty in diagnosing and treating depression comes from people not realizing they are suffering from depression.
Unfortunately, about half of people with depression are never diagnosed or treated. And the consequences of not getting treatment can be deadly: More than 10 percent of people battling depression commit suicide.
Image source: Zhanku Hailuo
1. How is depression diagnosed?
The diagnosis of depression is usually based on a medical history and a physical examination by a doctor. Certain viruses, drugs, hormones, or vitamin deficiencies and diseases can all cause depression-like symptoms.
Doctors need to know when symptoms start, how long they last, and how severe they are. The doctor will ask the patient if they have had similar symptoms before and if they have been treated before. Family history is important, as is a history of medication or drinking.
While there is no specific test to help a mental health professional diagnose depression, there are certain characteristics that experts look for when asked to make a sound diagnosis.
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If no physical cause of depression is found, the doctor may refer the patient to a psychiatric or psychological unit for a more detailed mental health evaluation.
A psychiatrist or psychiatrist will determine the best treatment plan and may recommend antidepressant medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of both, may also recommend psychotherapy, or evaluate Effects of drugs or other biological therapies.
2. When should patients seek help?
If depression is having a negative impact on your life, such as interpersonal difficulties, work problems, or family disputes, especially if these negative emotions continue to develop, and there is no clear solution, then Help should be sought to prevent the condition from getting worse.
If you or someone around you is having suicidal thoughts or feelings, seek help right away.
Image source: Zhanku Hailuo
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