Depression diagnosis

Depression is a common psychological disorder, its diagnosis needs to integrate a variety of factors, including symptoms, duration of symptoms, severity, psychological evaluation, etc. 1. Symptoms Patients will appear persistent depression, loss of interest, anhedonia, sleep disorders, appetite changes, fatigue, self-blame, lack of concentration, suicidal thoughts and other symptoms. These symptoms seriously affect the patient's daily life, work and study. Detailed understanding of the patient's symptoms is an important basis for diagnosis. 2. Duration of symptoms Depression symptoms usually take a period of time, generally considered at least two weeks, before considering the diagnosis of depression. Long-term symptoms suggest that there may be more serious psychological problems. 3. Severity Assessment The severity of symptoms is also critical to diagnosis. Mild depression may still partially maintain function in daily life, but moderate to severe depression often has significant functional impairment, even unable to live and work normally. 4. Psychological assessment Through professional psychological assessment tools, such as self-rating depression scale, Hamilton depression scale, etc., can assist in the diagnosis of depression and quantify the severity of the disease. Depression diagnosis is a complex process that requires a professional psychiatrist or psychologist to make a comprehensive judgment. An accurate diagnosis is essential to develop appropriate treatment options and improve patient outcomes. once diagnosed with depression, patients should actively cooperate with treatment, including medication, psychotherapy, lifestyle adjustments, etc., to improve the chances of recovery.

At the same time, families and society should also give patients full understanding, support and care to help them through difficult times.