Depression Diagnosis including DSM4

Depression is under diagnosed and under treated. There are several factors at work here. One is the failure of many general practitioners to recognize depression in a patient. Another factor is the lack of understanding most people have about the symptoms of the illness, which prevents them from seeing depression symptoms for what they are. Also, the general inertia created by being depressed is itself a barrier to taking action.

Diagnosis information

The diagnosis of depression is supported by psychological tests such as the Beck Depression Inventory, which may help determine the onset, severity, duration, and progression of depressive symptoms. A toxicology screening may suggest drug-induced depression. (For characteristic findings in patients with depression.

At any given time, 19 million Americans are suffering from a form of depression. Not only does this affect their lives, but the lives of those around them. Since depressive disorders are also are a major cause of lost productivity in the workplace, there is an economic impact on all of us.

Depression is also one of the few potentially fatal illnesses that is treatable. It's impossible to know how many suicides could be prevented by proper diagnosis and treatment, but the tragedy is that there are certainly many that could be prevented, but aren't.

At this point, diagnosing depression and other mental illnesses is not a cut and dried, simple matter. There are no definitive medical tests that can be performed, and there are many types of depression that are different from each other in fairly subtle ways.

How to go about the diagnosis of depression?

1. Get an understanding of the basics, symptoms and causes of depression:

The diagnosis of depression begins with a physical exam by a doctor. There are certain viruses, medicines, and illnesses that can cause depression-like symptoms. The doctor will also try to determine if there have been past episodes of depression. 6. On the outcome of the evaluation, your psychologist will advice you appropriate depression treatment. Most people do well with psychotherapy alone. Psychotherapy will help you to deal with life's problems effectively, and will change the negative thoughts and attitudes that have caused you to develop depression.

Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI)

The CIDI is a comprehensive, standardized instrument for assessment of mental disorders according to the definitions and criteria of ICD-10 and DSM-IV. It is intended for use in epidemiological and cross-cultural studies as well as for clinical and research purposes.

DSM4 for major depression disorder DSM4 is used by mental health professionals and physicians as a guide for communicating about mental health conditions. The DSM-IV is not used to categorize people , but to categorize conditions or disorders that people have.

Depression Diagnosis The diagnosis of depression begins with a physical exam by a doctor. There are several factors at work here.

Learn about facts on Depression Statistics

Learn on Major Depression Disorder

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Hi I want to ask a question, my friend sonia is very depressed she tried to commit suicide (overdose)recently. Doctor said she has a biopolar disorder because her parents died when she was young, she was brought up by a caretaker. She was very isolated in her childhood. her boy friend never gave her any attention he was always busy with his own problems. She never shared her problems with anyone. She was always tangled between home and work. The doctor said she is depressed. I am doing a essay at university because its optional I chose to write about my friend, I just like to know what diagnose would u give to sonia using the DSM-IV process.
Naziya (3/06/2006)

In general, bi-polar diaorder is of a genetic nature, and not brought on by troubled childhoods. There are many issues your friend may have trouble with - abandonment, incredibly low self-esteem - and these may be triggering clinically depressive states and the suicide. Sonia's age may have a lot to do with her current state as well. I always beleive it is better to have a medical professional other than just an MD diasgnose - preferably a psychiatrist - as mental illness is specific to each person and Md's can get confused. The first step is to break the depressive cycle chemically and then move to behavior therapy. I wish you good luck, and good success. gabriel elihue denison

I think your friend has major depressive disorder and not bi-polar disorder speaking from personal experience. I suffer from much the same thing. I don't see, in your description the symptoms of bi-polar disorder. - Chris