They'll ask about the way you feel, including whether you have any symptoms of depression such as: Sadness or depressed mood most of the day or almost every day. Loss of enjoyment in things that were once pleasurable. Major change in weight (gain or loss of more than 5% of weight within a month) or appetite.
To diagnose depression, a doctor performs a physical exam, asks about your symptoms, and recommends a blood test to determine if another condition, such as hypothyroidism, is causing your symptoms. If the doctor does not find an underlying cause of your symptoms, he or she performs a psychological evaluation.
They can and they do: Family physicians are one of the primary sources for mental health care in the United States, says the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). Primary care physicians are the primary managers of psychiatric disorders in one-third of their patients, the AAFP reports.
If you or someone you know is worried about a mental health issue, the first step is talking to a healthcare professional. Your local doctor (general practitioner or GP) can conduct an initial mental health assessment and may refer you to a counsellor, psychologist or psychiatrist depending on your needs.
Diagnosing depression can be difficult as it can manifest very differently in different people, and at different times. Diagnosis may be delayed because 'symptoms' are non-specific or masked by other health problems.
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) can be hard to diagnose because the symptoms of this disorder overlap with many other conditions, such as bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, and even eating disorders.
To receive a diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder, some of these signs and symptoms must be present nearly every day for at least two weeks: Continued feelings of sadness, hopelessness, pessimism, emptiness. Fatigue, lack of energy. Insomnia or other sleep issues, such as waking up very early or sleeping too much.
In your appointment your doctor will probably make an initial assessment by asking questions about: your mood, thoughts and behaviours – sometimes by using questionnaires or forms which measure depression and anxiety. your lifestyle and any recent events in your life that might be affecting your wellbeing.
Starting a conversation about mental health with your GP
Tell your doctor: your symptoms, thoughts and how you feel. any circumstances that may be relevant to your mental health. your concerns (including privacy concerns)
People with schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, and PTSD have symptoms of depression that can often be missed by primary care physicians. Unless the person is actively hallucinating or having delusions that they verbalize, a physician could misdiagnose a more serious mental illness for depression.
The DSM-5 outlines the following criterion to make a diagnosis of depression. The individual must be experiencing five or more symptoms during the same 2-week period and at least one of the symptoms should be either (1) depressed mood or (2) loss of interest or pleasure.
Major Depressive Episode:
- 5 or more depressive symptoms for ≥ 2 weeks. - Must have either depressed mood or loss of interest/pleasure. - Symptoms must cause significant distress or impairment. - No manic or hypomanic behavior.
To diagnose a mental health problem, doctors will look at: your experiences (groupings of certain feelings, behaviours and physical symptoms may suggest different diagnoses) how long you've been experiencing these things. the impact it's having on your life.
To diagnose an anxiety disorder, a doctor performs a physical exam, asks about your symptoms, and recommends a blood test, which helps the doctor determine if another condition, such as hypothyroidism, may be causing your symptoms. The doctor may also ask about any medications you are taking.
Speaking to your GP or practice nurse is the first step to getting help. If you're struggling with your mental health, you might be offered various types of treatment, or signposted on to other services. Typically, you could be offered, or given information about: Medication such as antidepressants.
Doctors, including general practitioners (GPs) and psychiatrists (specialists in mental health) can prescribe antidepressant medicines. Psychologists specialise in psychological treatments and do not prescribe medication, but they can talk to your doctor if they believe a trial of medicine would be of benefit.
11 Generally, antidepressants should not be used without psychotherapy. 6 While other healthcare professionals may talk with you about treatment options, only a general practitioner (GP), psychiatrist or nurse practitioner is qualified to prescribe medication.
If you have been experiencing some of the following signs and symptoms, most of the day, nearly every day, for at least 2 weeks, you may be suffering from depression: Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood. Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism. Feelings of irritability, frustration, or restlessness.
Clinical depression, or major depressive disorder, is often just called “depression.” It's the most severe type of depression. Without treatment, depression can get worse and last longer. In severe cases, it can lead to self-harm or death by suicide.
Not only is BPD one of the most painful mental illnesses, but it's also intensified by stigma and being misunderstood by others. Fortunately, borderline personality disorder is a treatable condition, and the pain doesn't have to be endless.
The most common are anxiety disorders major depression and bipolar disorder. Below is more information on these disorders and how ACCESS can help.
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) has long been believed to be a disorder that produces the most intense emotional pain and distress in those who have this condition. Studies have shown that borderline patients experience chronic and significant emotional suffering and mental agony.