What Is Depression?
6. Diagnosis
Diagnosis is conducted by a trained psychiatrist or general practitioner. The assessment includes a mental state examination. The most commonly used criteria for diagnosis is based on DSM-5 where at least 5 of the following need to be present in the same 2-week period: depressed mood, diminished pleasure or interest, significant weight change or disturbance of appetite, sleep disturbance, psychomotor retardation or agitation, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness, diminished concentration or ability to think, and recurrent suicidal thoughts or presence of a suicide plan.
These symptoms should not be due to another medical condition, substance use, not better explained by another disorder, and cause significant distress or impairment in functioning. Depression can be mild, moderate, or severe. It can also occur with psychotic symptoms.
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