Depression is a condition affecting millions of individuals every year. This condition is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness and affects the quality of personal as well as professional life. Those suffering from this condition do not find joy in activities that used to be pleasurable at one point of time. Physicians and mental health professionals are extremely careful in making a depression diagnosis and correct evaluation of the clients is needed before such a diagnosis is given.

Before making a depression diagnosis it is extremely important that a great deal of information about the person should be taken. Along with information a medical evaluation and clinical interview should also be conducted. Some additional assessments also help in understanding whether the individual has bipolar disorder, dysthymia or major depression. Mental health professionals refer to the diagnostic and statistical manual that describes mental disorders while understanding the symptoms.

The depression diagnosis is done by referring to the fourth edition of the diagnostic and statistical manual of the mental disorders. The diagnostic criteria in this manual are basically descriptions of the symptoms that are classified into four categories. In depressive disorders major mood symptoms or affective symptoms include feelings of guilt, worthlessness and depressed mood. Behavioral symptoms may include agitation and social withdrawal while cognitive symptoms may include thinking problems such as decision making issues or concentration problems.

The physical or somatic symptoms may include hypersomnia or insomnia. The criteria in the manual allow for proper conceptualization of the different aspects of illnesses. As a part of the depression diagnosis the family physician will first conduct a review of the health of the individual. Such a review will be used to make note of any existing physical conditions or diseases that could cause the depression symptoms.

Some medical conditions can result in symptoms similar to those experienced in depression. Mineral and vitamin deficiencies along with thyroid conditions and female hormonal changes can result in depression like symptoms. Some medications may also have side effects that mimic depression like symptoms. Once this possibility is ruled out the individuals will have to seek consultation with a psychologist or a psychiatrist.

Correct depression diagnosis can only be done after the psychological evaluation includes a complete history of all the symptoms. This history includes an understanding of when the symptoms started, how long have they been experienced, severity of the symptoms, were they experienced before and if yes what was the treatment undertaken. The psychologist will also enquire about the drug or alcohol use along with any thoughts of suicide or death.

Other aspects that need to be taken into consideration before making a depression diagnosis is whether there is a history of depression in the family and if any other family members have been treated for this condition. A mental status examination will also be conducted to determine the extent of symptoms or problems. Based on the evaluation a suitable line of treatment will be determined.

At present depression diagnosis cannot be done through any laboratory test. The diagnosis can only be done based on the symptoms that are reported along with the signs that are observed in the interview and the medical history.