Who Can Diagnose Major Depression?
According to the National Institute on Mental Health, major depressive disorder affects more than 14.8 million Americans each year. Depression is more than having a bad week or feeling sad. In order to be properly assessed, you should see a mental health professional, such as a licensed counselor or therapist.
How is Major Depression Diagnosed?
Major depression is diagnosed according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual-Version IV (DSM-IV), published by the American Psychiatric Association. The DSM-IV is a directory of mental health disorders and associated symptoms used by mental health professionals to determine formal diagnoses. Major depression is classified by five primary criteria categorized by letters A through E. Criteria A requires that an individual must have experienced a depressed mood for most of the day, all day for two weeks and a significant decrease of interest in daily or pleasurable activities for the same time period. Additionally, three of the following six symptoms must be present every day or nearly every day: significant weight loss or weight gain, insomnia or hypersomnia, impairment of motor skills, fatigue or loss of energy, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, diminished concentration or recurrent thoughts of death or suicide.
Criteria B requires that the symptoms not be a part of an already diagnosed depressive disorder; they must be distinct to this time period.
Criteria C requires that the symptoms must be causing distress or impairment in major areas of functioning--- home, work or school.
Criteria D requires that the symptoms be unrelated to any other condition and not be a result of medications being taken for another condition.
Criteria E requires that symptoms not be the result of bereavement or loss of a loved one.
How Is a Diagnosis Determined?
Based on the criteria above, the patient or someone close to the patient must be able to give a comprehensive report on the patient's current medical history, list any medications his is currently taking and provide specific examples of the symptoms identified. A counselor or therapist makes a determination based on this information and determines the next steps for treatment.
