DEPRESSED? How depressed must a person be before he/she can actually be diagnosed with depression?

Question

People get depressed but definitely not every case is the person diagnosed as suffering from depression, so what is it that determine whether we can or cannot be diagnosed as suffering from depression and how do the measure that amount?

Answer 1

A person with clinical depression MUST have:

1) Significantly depressed mood or
2) Anhedonia (loss of pleasure in normally pleasurable activities)

As well as 4 or more of the following

3) Loss of concentration
4) Insomnia/hypersomnia
5) Weight loss/gain
6) Psychomotor agitation
7) Fatigue
8) Inappropriate/excessive feelings of guilt/worthlessness
9) Suicidal thoughts

Overall, you need 5 of those symptoms total, and one has to be (1) or (2). Beyond that, it can be mild, moderate, severe, severe with psychotic features (delusions usually)... it could be Bipolar depression, which can then swing into mania...

The symptoms have to interfere with occupational, academic or social functioning, and they can't be due to the use of a substance, the direct result of some other medical condition, and they can't be better accounted for by some other mental disorder.

One could otherwise have Dysthymic Disorder, which is more mild and chronic depression.

Answer 2

about 5 years ago, I started to fall into a really depressive episode. At first I thought it was only because I had a bad break from a relationship but the feelings wouldn't go away even after I got a new girlfriend. It was wrecking my life until a point where it was seriously affecting my work and personal life.

She was very worried but at the same time couldn't understand why I was still sad and thought that I still couldn't let go of my previous relationship. Being the wonderful person that she is, she put aside her feelings and suggested I go for psychiatric evaluation. Many months later and even more anti-depressants, I was not coming close to being better at all.

After doing some research online, I found out the real cause as you described it really makes a lot of sense and purchased this program. The results were simply astonishing. I read this book over three times and put all words in action. Using this method, I've kept my depression at bay ever since. Up to date I'm still living happily with my girlfriend.

Depression Free Method?

Answer 3

A person is diagnosed with depression if they are experiencing some of the 'classic' symptoms listed below - but it also depends on how long they've been feeling low. If they've been feeling depressed for two or three weeks, it might not be 'depression' whereas if they've felt that way for months, or years, and if it's interfering with their living a 'normal' life, then again, it could be depression.

Depression affects people in different ways, but some of the symptoms are:

crying constantly, or bursting into tears for no reason

being unable to sleep - or sleeping too much

losing appetite - or over eating

persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, hopelessness

becoming more irritable

losing interest in things you previously enjoyed; not enjoying anyything any more

becoming demotivated

feeling tired and fatigued all the time

withdrawing from social activities

thoughts of harming oneself or suicide

You don't have to have all of these symptoms to be diagnosed with depression - just a few of them, though some people will experience many of them.

Answer 4

Amount of time spent being depressed and the varying degrees of it. If it's not just a temporary issue because of outside circumstances (meaning if something that's going on is just bumming you out) then it could be depression. Also if there are physical symptoms too, like chronic fatigue, achiness, and strain on your body, it could be depression. The only person who can diagnose you correctly with depression is a physician or a psychologist.

Answer 5

See the below link for official diagnostic criteria for Major Depressive Disorder:

http://www.psychologynet.org/major.html

Answer 6

You are depressed. You suffer from depression. There. You've been diagnosed. Feel better?

Answer 7

there is no amount or a way to measure it, however it is diagnosed if it has a negative impact on your daily life and you cannot function.

Answer 8

you need to start with your family Dr. and tell them how you have been feeling either they will treat you or refer you to a speclists and a counsler

Answer 9

if you're asking this question for you...you're there......if for someone else, it would be better to ask your doctor...the answer would be more accurate and in dept......... wishing you well