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Depression

Evaluation of Depression

Evaluation should identify characteristics of depressed mood, loss of interest in usually pleasurable activities, history of past episodes of depresion. The presence of insomnia, weight loss, hallucinations, suicidal ideation and planning, or alcohol or drug abuse.

Family History. Depression or other mood disorders, suicide, drug or alcohol abuse.

Bipolar (manic-depressive) Disorder

DSM-IV Diagnostic Criteria for Depresion

At least five of the following symptoms must be present, including at least one of the first two.

1. Loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities

2. Depresed mood

3. Significant increase or decrease in weight.

4. Insomnia or hypersomnia

5. Psychomotor agitation or retardation

6. Fatigue

7. Feelings of worthlessness or excessive

8. Diminished ability to think or concentrate; indecisiveness

9. Recurrent thoughts of death or suicidal

Medical Conditions Mimicking Depresion

A. Drug Intoxication. Alcohol, barbiturates, cocaine, opiates

B. Metabolic Disorders.