The causes of depression and its manifestations are manifold. The effectiveness and safety of treatment depends on how accurately the diagnosis is made. In most cases, depression is well diagnosed and treated successfully.
A comprehensive examination is required to diagnose depression. For early diagnosis of depression, Zung and Beck questionnaires are used , as well as scales that allow you to identify and assess the severity of depression, and monitor the treatment process. In the process of diagnosis, the doctor collects a complete picture of the disease, all the signs that may indicate the presence of depression.
There are certain diagnostic criteria that can be used to diagnose depression. So, the patient should have at least 5 of the following symptoms for 2 weeks or more. Symptoms should appear daily and not be a side effect of medications or drugs. The manifestation of symptoms should not be a characteristic feature of the patient’s personality.
Symptoms of depression
- Depressed mood (in adolescents and children can manifest itself in the form of irritability) – is expressed subjectively (feeling of emptiness, sadness) or objectively (tearfulness).
- Decreased interest in activities, apathy, loss of a sense of pleasure.
- Changes in appetite and weight
- Insomnia
- Inhibition or excessive psychomotor agitation.
- Loss of strength, rapid fatigability.
- Feeling worthless, feeling guilty.
- Decreased concentration of attention, indecision, decreased performance in the intellectual spheres.
- Suicidal thoughts, suicide planning .
- To make a diagnosis, you must have at least one of the following symptoms: depressed mood throughout the day, loss of previous interests, loss of a sense of pleasure.