Depression is an illness that affects millions of people each year in United States alone. In this condition people tend to feel persistently sad and hopeless and these feelings tend to adversely affect the quality of life of these people. People who experience depression are not able to enjoy activities that used to be pleasurable at some point of time in life. Diagnosis of this condition can be done through careful evaluation of the symptoms and depression screening tests may also be used.

Information about this condition can help the health care professionals in conducting a depression screening. Initially the health care professionals will try to rule out any physical conditions that may be causing symptoms similar to those experienced in depression. In some cases hormonal changes can result in depression like symptoms and any such issues need to be identified and dealt with. Once any physical causes are ruled out depression screening through additional assessments can be done.

Initially as a part of depression screening health professionals will take information about the symptoms experienced by the person. As a part of the clinical interview the health professionals will try to understand about the duration of the symptoms, the severity of the symptoms as well as the possibility of mental illness in the family. The diagnostic and statistical manual is referred by the mental health professionals to identify depression related symptoms.

The depression screening process also involves understanding if the person has major depression, bipolar disorder or dysthymia. The screening process includes understanding the major mood symptoms which include extreme sadness, worthlessness and feelings of guilt. The screening process may include a questionnaire that the individuals are required to answer and the behavioral symptoms related to depression include social withdrawal as well as agitation.

The depression screening process also helps in identifying the cognitive symptoms related to depression which include thinking problems like inability to concentrate and decision making problems. Physical symptoms like insomnia, weight gain or loss are also identified as a part of the screening process. A complete psychological evaluation can also help in determining for sure if it is a case of depression.

Other aspects that are determined through depression screening process include whether the symptoms associated with depression were experienced before and if they were then what was the line of treatment that was followed. The psychologists and other mental health professionals also determine about possible alcohol or drug use. Those suffering from depression may have suicidal thoughts and this is also identified.

Currently there is no laboratory test that can help in making a diagnosis of depression. The process of diagnosis is largely dependent on accurate identification of symptoms. Some of the depression screening tests used for diagnosis are just one of the tools that may be used and are not definitive. Only after an interview, medical history and mental status examination can the diagnosis of depression be made and following this appropriate treatment can be identified and administered. Based on the severity the treatment may include antidepressants as well as therapy.