How Do You Diagnose Depression Using Observational Tests?
Depression is a serious mental illness that can affect the everyday life of those suffering from it as well as the lives of people who love them. Proper diagnosis and treatment is essential, so knowing what to look for in a loved one’s behavior can help you begin to diagnose depression simply through observation. Familiarize yourself with the symptoms of depression listed below as listed in the New York Times (NYT) Depression Health Guide. Symptoms: Trouble sleeping or excessive sleeping A dramatic change in appetite, often with weight gain or loss Fatigue and lack of energy Feelings of worthlessness, self-hate, and inappropriate guilt Extreme difficulty concentrating Agitation, restlessness, and irritability Inactivity and withdrawal from usual activities Feelings of hopelessness and helplessness Recurring thoughts of death or suicide Determine how long symptoms have been present. For depression to be diagnosed, symptoms must be present for at least two weeks. Count, using the checkli
