Diagnosis of Teenage Depression
There is no specific medical test that can be performed to diagnose teenage depression. Diagnosis is mainly based on the signs and symptoms experienced by the teenager. A comprehensive history taking and assessment will be performed by the health care provider to check if you are really suffering from teenage depression or from another illness that mimic the signs of depression.
History Taking
To determine if you are suffering from teenage depression, your physician will conduct a complete medical history. The health care provider will be asking you questions on your previous medical illnesses, if you have a present illness, and your family history. You will be asked if you have a family member who is also suffering from depression. Other aspects that are to be evaluated by your physician are your family situation, your level of emotional maturity and ability to cope with illness and treatment, you age and state of development, your self-esteem and prior experience with illness.
You will also be asked about your depressive moods and other symptoms such as sleepiness, your ability to concentrate, whether you have gained or lost your appetite, and if you experience lack of energy. You will be assessed for the possible stressors in your life, and the support systems that are available for you, whether thoughts of suicide has entered your mind, and if you have been drinking alcohol or used drugs. Current medications that you may be taking will also be asked during the history taking.
Physical Examination and Laboratory Tests
Physical examinations are done to rule out any medical conditions that may cause your depression. There are some medical conditions that mimic the signs of depression. Hypothyroidism is one. People with hypothyroidism experience lack of energy, sleepiness, loss of interest in activities, lack of motivation, just like people with depression do. Blood tests will also be done for this same reason.
Psychiatric Tests
A psychiatric evaluation is done to document your history of sadness, irritability, loss of interest and pleasure, and the other symptoms that were exhibited. The physician will also look for the presence of other psychiatric disorders such as anxiety, mania, or schizophrenia. Risks for suicidal and or homicidal behaviors will also be carefully evaluated to check if you are a danger to yourself, or to other people.
These three tests need to be done together, in a comprehensive manner to ensure completeness of all the data, and to for the results to be compared with each other. A complete history, a psychiatric interview and a physical examination is done to try to classify your depression. Depending on the severity of the symptoms that you have been showing, it will either be mild, moderate or severe. For severe cases, especially for those with suicidal thoughts, hospitalization may be required so that you will be carefully attended to by your doctor and the other health care personnel.
The diagnosis of teenage depression would depend on the completeness and accuracy of data that you will be providing to your physician. You will need to be truthful and honest so that correct diagnosis will be made therefore avoiding the possibility of errors.
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