Depression

Depression may be diagnosed when you talk to your doctor about feeling sad or when your doctor asks you questions and discovers that you are feeling sad. You may be seeing your doctor because you feel sad or because you have another health problem or concern.

If your doctor thinks you are depressed, he or she will ask you questions about your health and feelings. This is called a Reference mental health assessment. Your doctor also may:

• Do a Reference physical exam Opens New Window.
• Do tests to make certain your depression isn't caused by a disease such as an Reference underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) Opens New Window or Reference anemia Opens New Window. Depending on your history and risk factors, your doctor may order other tests.
• Reference Ask you about suicide.
• Ask you about Reference bipolar disorder Opens New Window if you sometimes feel energetic and elated. To learn more, see the topic Reference Bipolar Disorder.
• Ask you about seasonal affective disorder if you only have depression at certain times of the year. To learn more, see the topic Reference Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

Early detection

The Reference U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Opens New Window recommends that all people, starting at age 12, be Reference screened for depression.^{Reference 1} Screening for depression helps find depression early. And early treatment may help you get better faster.

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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.