Depression Diagnosis
Depression is a disorder that manifests itself through symptoms like loss of interest or pleasure, feelings of guilt or low self-worth, disturbed sleep or appetite, low energy, and poor concentration. These problems can become chronic and lead to substantial impairments in an individual's ability to take care of his or her everyday responsibilities. In a severe case of depression, the individual suffering from depression may resort to committing suicide.
There are two kinds of this illness: Major depression, or dysthymia which affects mood; and Manic depression or bipolar illness, when feeling low and depressed alternates with recklessness.
The first thing you should do if you suspect that you may be depressed is visit your family doctor for a thorough checkup. It is preferable to visit your family doctor as he will be aware of your previous medical conditions and medical history. If you are unable to or maybe embarrassed to visit your family doctor, any other general physician will serve the same purpose. There should never be any embarrassment or apprehension when coping with depression.
An individual should be absolutely sure by before taking any kind of medication and self medicating since some other medical conditions can cause depression symptoms, such as vitamin and mineral deficiencies, female hormonal changes and thyroid conditions.
The doctor you visit, family doctor or any other physician, will begin the diagnostic process by asking you a series of questions. Questions that you may be asked include:
What are the signs you've been experiencing?
Since when have you experienced these symptoms?
How severe are your symptoms?
Have you felt like this before?
Have you been treated for this illness before?
If so, what medication were you given and which worked best in your opinion?
Do any of your relatives have depression?
If so, were your relatives treated for depression and which treatments worked best?
Do you use drugs or drink alcohol?
Have you thought about death or suicide?
There is no laboratory test that can diagnose depression. Depression is diagnosed based on the person's reported symptoms, signs that your doctor observes during the questioning process, your medical history and your family's medical history. Depression occurs in persons of all genders, ages, and backgrounds.
It is very important that the family be supportive through this difficult time. The family needs to extend their love and affection and most importantly their support towards the person suffering from depression.
Some Facts :
Depression is common, affecting about 121 million people worldwide.
Depression is amongst the top causes of disability worldwide.
Depression can be reliably diagnosed and treated in primary stages.
Fewer than 25 % of those suffering from depression have access to treatment.
In conclusion, depression like most major illnesses can be cured, if it is detected in time and is treated. Family plays an vital role in the treatment.
There are two kinds of this illness: Major depression, or dysthymia which affects mood; and Manic depression or bipolar illness, when feeling low and depressed alternates with recklessness.
The first thing you should do if you suspect that you may be depressed is visit your family doctor for a thorough checkup. It is preferable to visit your family doctor as he will be aware of your previous medical conditions and medical history. If you are unable to or maybe embarrassed to visit your family doctor, any other general physician will serve the same purpose. There should never be any embarrassment or apprehension when coping with depression.
An individual should be absolutely sure by before taking any kind of medication and self medicating since some other medical conditions can cause depression symptoms, such as vitamin and mineral deficiencies, female hormonal changes and thyroid conditions.
The doctor you visit, family doctor or any other physician, will begin the diagnostic process by asking you a series of questions. Questions that you may be asked include:
What are the signs you've been experiencing?
Since when have you experienced these symptoms?
How severe are your symptoms?
Have you felt like this before?
Have you been treated for this illness before?
If so, what medication were you given and which worked best in your opinion?
Do any of your relatives have depression?
If so, were your relatives treated for depression and which treatments worked best?
Do you use drugs or drink alcohol?
Have you thought about death or suicide?
There is no laboratory test that can diagnose depression. Depression is diagnosed based on the person's reported symptoms, signs that your doctor observes during the questioning process, your medical history and your family's medical history. Depression occurs in persons of all genders, ages, and backgrounds.
It is very important that the family be supportive through this difficult time. The family needs to extend their love and affection and most importantly their support towards the person suffering from depression.
Some Facts :
Depression is common, affecting about 121 million people worldwide.
Depression is amongst the top causes of disability worldwide.
Depression can be reliably diagnosed and treated in primary stages.
Fewer than 25 % of those suffering from depression have access to treatment.
In conclusion, depression like most major illnesses can be cured, if it is detected in time and is treated. Family plays an vital role in the treatment.
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