Test for Depression.

There is no test for depression which will help in diagnosis of depression and pinpoint this condition. When you go to your doctor with some of the symptoms of depression, you have made that decision because these symptoms have interfered with your daily tasks.

You should see a doctor if such a thing happens and also if your sadness and a feeling of lowness lasts for 15 days or more. The doctor then sets about diagnosing depression, which he suspects from your history.

History of Depression in Patient.

There are no specific laboratory tests for blood or radiology to diagnose depression. Diagnosis of depression is based on the following.

• Your doctor will take a detailed history of your symptoms and identify them with the symptoms of depression.
• History will also include looking for presence of any existing disease or any medication being taken which can be the causes of depression.
• Alcohol abuse, tobacco use or drug abuse is also looked for.
• History of any family history of any mental condition is asked for.

Testing for Depression.

Because of the fact that depression is quite common and often goes undetected, you may be asked to fill out a questionnaire which gives the doctor an in depth study of your condition.

The two classifications of mental illness commonly used are:

• Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. This is published by the American Psychiatrist Association and is based on all known recorded symptoms of a particular mental disorder. Your answers to the questions will help the doctor to identify the mental condition.
• International Classification of Diseases. This has been developed by WHO and is a much wider system which covers all diseases and not just mental conditions. The questions are similar and are based on the various symptoms of diseases known.

Using any one of these systems, the doctor can diagnose depression, the type of depression that is present and also rule out other mental conditions. These systems are also used by insurance companies to reimburse treatment. Such discussions are treated with strict confidence and the family members are told only if the doctor feels that there is risk of harm to the patient or family members.

Physical Examination.

The doctor will do a physical examination which involves a routine check up of pulse, blood pressure and temperature. The lungs (for breathing sounds) and the sounds of the heart are examined with a stethoscope.

Tests to Diagnose Depression.

The doctor will ask for some blood tests and urine analysis to rule out other conditions that have similar symptoms.

• A complete blood count and ESR to rule out systemic infection or a chronic disease.
• Certain specific tests for thyroid, such as TSH and thyroxine  are done to rule out hypothyroidism.
• Basic electrolytes and serum calcium to rule out metabolic disturbance
• Testosterone levels are checked to rule out hypogonadism (which can be a cause of depression).
• Cognitive testing and brain imaging are done in elderly to rule out dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
• Tests for chronic diseases are performed to rule them out, such as diabetes, kidney disease, arthritis, HIV/AIDS and more.

Other Tests used to Diagnose Depression.

These tests are done not to pinpoint depression but to rule out conditions which can cause depression.

• Ct scan or MRI or encephalogram (EEG) of the brain to rule out any brain pathology such as a brain tumor.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG) is done to check for presence of a heart condition.

Once the diagnosis of depression is confirmed through history, symptoms and tests, treatment is started which can cure the depression.

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2. Depressing Statistics for Depression in Women.
3. Alternative Treatments and Herbal Remedies for Depression.
4. Depression Symptoms in Women.
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6. Alarming Statistics of Depression.
7. How Do You Get Depression.
8. Depression and Alcohol- a bad mix.