• Depression diagnosis, screening tests
• Highlights
• Introduction
• Causes
• Risk Factors
• Complications
• Treatment

Diagnosis

A diagnosis of depression is based on symptoms meeting specific criteria. [See Introduction section of this report.] Many people who are depressed first seek help from their family doctors. Guidelines recommend that family doctors screen for depression in adults and adolescents (ages 12 - 18), as long as these doctors have appropriate systems in place to ensure accurate diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of their patients.

To check if you have depression, a doctor may ask you questions...