Table of Contents
How do therapists diagnose depression?
To be diagnosed with depression, an individual must have five depression symptoms every day, nearly all day, for at least 2 weeks. One of the symptoms must be a depressed mood or a loss of interest or pleasure in almost all activities. Children and adolescents may be irritable rather than sad. Exercise. Both aerobic exercise like walking or jogging and anaerobic exercise like weight lifting can help alleviate symptoms of depression. Relaxation training. Focusing on tensing and relaxing muscle groups methodically can help a person with depression relax voluntarily. During a depressed period, you may feel sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities. But then it will switch to a period of mania, when you feel euphoric, energetic, or irritable. Those are not symptoms of clinical depression. Despite the sometimes-crippling symptoms, major depression is manageable and treatable; with medication, therapy, or both, people can recover and lead happy, fulfilling lives. Depression is among the most treatable of mental disorders. Between 80% and 90% percent of people with depression eventually respond well to treatment. Almost all patients gain some relief from their symptoms. Medications and psychotherapy are effective for most people with depression. Your primary care doctor or psychiatrist can prescribe medications to relieve symptoms. However, many people with depression also benefit from seeing a psychiatrist, psychologist or other mental health professional. When it comes to mental illness, professionals typically determine a diagnosis by performing a psychological evaluation and asking about your history. Some therapists will order special tests to rule out other medical conditions.
How do therapists diagnose you?
When it comes to mental illness, professionals typically determine a diagnosis by performing a psychological evaluation and asking about your history. Some therapists will order special tests to rule out other medical conditions. The short answer is that you can tell your therapist anything – and they hope that you do. It’s a good idea to share as much as possible, because that’s the only way they can help you.