How to Get a Depression Diagnosis

Recognizing the Signs of Depression

Learning to recognize the signs and symptoms of depression is important for early intervention and proper access to care and resources. It can be easy to overlook signs of depression and tempting to rationalize away concerns. Remember, if you are honest and objective in your self-assessment, the quicker you can get your quality of life back.

Symptoms of Depression

Depression looks a little bit different for everyone, but there are some common indicators to look out for. You’ll want to note how long your symptoms of depression typically last, how frequently they occur, and how intense they feel. This will prove helpful in determining the severity of your depression and the treatment options most likely to make a positive difference.

Common symptoms of depression include:

• Persistent sadness
• Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
• Weight gain or loss
• Fatigue or low energy
• Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
• Sleep disturbances: sleeping too much or sleeping too little
• Social isolation
• Feeling emotionally numb
• Neglecting responsibilities

Are There Medical Conditions That Can Mimic Depression?

While the symptoms listed above often suggest depression, it’s important to remember that other medical conditions can produce similar signs. Thyroid disorders and hormonal imbalances, for example, can cause fatigue and mood disturbances that closely resemble depression. Similarly, neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis may trigger cognitive symptoms that mimic those of depression.¹

When to Seek a Professional Depression Diagnosis

If your depressive symptoms have started to interfere with your daily functioning and quality of life, then it might be time to pursue a professional diagnosis. As a general rule of thumb, if your symptoms occur most of the day, nearly every day, for a period of longer than two weeks, it’s a good idea to consult a healthcare provider. The earlier you take action on your symptoms, the better!

Types of Healthcare Providers Who Can Diagnose Depression

There are several professionals qualified to diagnose depression, each with unique expertise. Your choice may depend on your personal preference and comfort level.

Healthcare providers who can diagnose depression include:

• Mental Health Professionals:
  • Psychologists: Specialize in psychotherapy and conduct comprehensive psychological evaluations.
  • Psychiatrists: Diagnose depression and can prescribe medications.
  • Licensed Professional Counselors: Provide mental health counseling and support.
  • Licensed Clinical Social Workers: Offer counseling and connect patients with community resources.
• Primary Care Physicians (PCPs):
  • Can diagnose depression in a traditional office setting and refer you to specialists if needed.
  • Have the ability to prescribe medications like antidepressants.

How Do Doctors Diagnose Depression?

Information on your self-reported symptoms, psychosocial background, and family medical history is collected to make a depression diagnosis. Be prepared to discuss the frequency, intensity, and duration of your depression symptoms. Your doctor or mental health provider may also make observations of their own based on your behavior, presentation, and exhibited mood level. This approach will allow them to make the most accurate diagnosis.

Doctors and other mental health professionals lean on the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) for official criteria on diagnosing depression. If an individual presents with five or more of the symptoms listed above for a two-week period or more, they may qualify for a depression diagnosis. Importantly, one of the five criteria needs to include depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure in activities.

Physical Exam

As previously mentioned, it’s not uncommon for a physical ailment to manifest in symptoms of depression. This is why it is worth it to rule out any underlying medical conditions that could be contributing to depressive symptoms. This process may include assessing vital signs, checking for signs of thyroid dysfunction, neurological conditions, or other physical health issues.

Laboratory Tests

While depression itself can’t be diagnosed in a lab, medical tests can help rule out underlying conditions that may contribute to depressive symptoms. A doctor may order blood work to assess vitamin levels, cortisol levels, thyroid function, and blood cell counts, among other factors. For instance, a Vitamin D deficiency or an abnormal blood cell count could impact mood and energy levels. Identifying and addressing these imbalances can be an important step in supporting overall mental health.

Psychological Evaluation

During a psychological evaluation, your presenting symptoms, personal history, family history, and psychosocial background are collected. This typically occurs via an interview and standardized assessments. Mental health and medical professionals want to determine whether depression is present or not, and if so they also want to determine the severity level, as well as explore what treatment options to recommend.

Standardized Depression Assessment Tools

Over the decades, much research has gone into developing standardized assessment tools for diagnosing depression. These scientifically-validated instruments usually consist of rating scales and can be quite helpful, both in charting the severity of your symptoms and in tracking their changes over time. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) are two of the most popular standardized assessment tools for depression.

How to Get Diagnosed With Depression

If you suspect you may have depression, it’s important to reach out to a healthcare professional for an evaluation. They can conduct an assessment, determine whether your symptoms meet the criteria for depression, and provide guidance for potential treatment. Remember, the earlier you seek help, the quicker you will get the individualized support you need.

Prepare for Your Appointment

To prepare for your appointment, it may be helpful to keep a symptom diary for a few days to record mood and energy levels, recurring thoughts, and any sleep disturbances. This will help facilitate productive dialogue between you and your clinician. You might also want to think about collecting other important information that may be asked of you such as family medical history, past mental health diagnoses, and current medications.

Most importantly, be prepared to be open and honest about your symptoms. It’s not easy to talk about feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or even thoughts of self-harm, but your healthcare provider can only help with the information you share. A conversation filled with quick “yes” or “no” answers may limit your ability to receive the support and care you truly need.

Treatment Options After Depression Diagnosis

Spend a bit of time browsing the Internet and you may be overwhelmed at the range of treatment methods for depression. Depression treatment can be a bit trial-and-error but this is because depression manifests differently for everyone. One person may find relief in an antidepressant while another person may want to try alternative, holistic avenues. It is common to employ a combination of treatments. Research has shown great success rates for antidepressants served alongside regular psychotherapy.²

Therapy for Depression

Depression therapy is applauded for its effectiveness in addressing the root causes of low mood and motivation. Through regular therapy sessions, therapists help individuals identify negative thought patterns and behaviors, challenge unhelpful beliefs, and build strong coping skills. The frequency of therapy sessions varies depending on individual needs and treatment goals, with some attending weekly sessions and others every other week.

Common types of therapy used for depression include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy: CBT for depression is an evidence-based therapy centered around identifying and altering negative thought patterns and behaviors as well as challenging cognitive distortions and core beliefs.
• Exposure therapy: If you find avoidance behaviors in your stack of depression symptoms, exposure therapy might be right for you. This therapy gradually exposes individuals to feared stimuli or situations, thereby improving behavioral activation and decreasing the presence of shame and self-isolation.
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): ACT champions accepting difficult thoughts and emotions rather than changing them. It encourages values clarification, mindfulness, and psychological flexibility.
• Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT): In DBT for depression you can learn valuable skills in improving distress tolerance, emotion-management, and self-awareness.
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing: EMDR is a trailblazing therapy that has gained popularity in recent years, particularly due to its success rate in treating trauma. EMDR for depression can be especially helpful in processing distressing memories and thoughts and addressing negative core beliefs and has been shown to be successful in decreasing depressive symptoms.³
• Interpersonal therapy: At the heart of IPT is the premise that depression symptoms can often stem from relationship conflict, unhealthy relationship patterns, and life transitions. It seeks to improve interpersonal relationship patterns and social functioning.
• Psychodynamic therapy: Exploring unconscious thoughts and feelings is a hallmark of psychodynamic therapy. By delving into unresolved conflicts, childhood experiences, and relational patterns it can help dig up depression by its roots.
• Art and music therapy: Art and music therapy can serve as wonderful complements to cognitive therapies by helping to utilize natural creativity, reduce stress, and improve self-esteem.
• Ketamine therapy: A new and promising depression treatment, ketamine therapy is believed to alleviate depression by regulating glutamate neurotransmission and promoting the growth of new neural connections in the brain. Research has shown that when administered in controlled environments by healthcare providers, it can provide rapid and sustained improvement in depression symptoms.⁴

Medication Options for Depression

Depending on how intense your depression is and how long it has lasted, medication may be a recommended part of your treatment plan. Many medications for depression can take several weeks to gain effectiveness which may require patience. However, the benefits can be game-changing, and can give an individual some much-needed relief and stability. It’s good to remember that while a mental health therapist can diagnose you, only PCPs, physicians, nurse practitioners, cardiologists, and psychiatrists can prescribe medication.

Common medications prescribed for anxiety include:

• Antidepressants: The most common type of antidepressants are known as SSRIs, but SNRIs, tricyclic antidepressants, and MAOIs are additional medication options. They all work a bit differently but generally share a common goal of increasing serotonin levels in the brain.
• Bupropion: Also known as the brand-name Wellbutrin, bupropion works by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain.
• Trazodone: Another antidepressant, trazodone is commonly prescribed to treat depression and insomnia due to its sedating properties.
• Mirtazapine: Mirtazepine increases both serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain and is often a good choice for those that haven’t responded well to other antidepressants.

Where to Find Professional Help for Depression

If you’re experiencing feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or apathy, seeking professional support can be an important first step toward recovery. The right help is available, whether you prefer in-person therapy, online counseling, or self-guided mental health tools. Finding a provider that aligns with your needs and comfort level can make a significant difference in your treatment journey.

Below are some options for finding help:

In-Person Therapy

• Individual Therapy: Individual therapy offers personalized attention and tailored treatment plans in a face-to-face setting.
• Group Therapy: Group therapy provides a dynamic environment for peer support where you can share experiences with others facing similar challenges.

Online Therapy

• Online Directories: Use an online therapist directory to match with a provider who fits your specific needs.
• Online Platforms: Many online depression platforms offer virtual therapy sessions, making it convenient if you prefer or require remote support.

Mental Health Apps

• Self-Help Tools: Mental health apps like Happify and My Sensa offer evidence-based techniques such as cognitive-behavioral exercises, mindfulness practices, and mood tracking tools to complement traditional therapy.