| • | Are You Depressed?
You may think that should be an easy question to answer, but it is impossible to make your own diagnosis of depression -- that can only be done by someone who has formal training. |
| • | Screening For Depression
Depression screening is a good starting point for helping depressed people get the treatment they need. |
| • | How Is Depression Diagnosed?
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and give you a mental-health assessment. |
| • | The Manual Of Mental Disorders
For more than two decades, mental-health professionals (especially in the United States) have referred to one book for standardized definitions of mental disorders. |
| • | Physical Examination
If you are depressed, it is very helpful to make an appointment with your primary-care doctor for a complete physical examination. |
| • | Diagnostic Tests
There is no specific diagnostic test for depression. |
| • | The Mental-Health Interview
The conversation you have with a mental-health professional is the single most important part of the evaluation of depression. |
