When diagnosing clinical depression?!
Question: do they only go on DSM IV TR/ICD 10 criteria or so they test the balance of chemicals in the brain (e.g. serotonin)?
Answers: do they only go on DSM IV TR/ICD 10 criteria or so they test the balance of chemicals in the brain (e.g. serotonin)?
I know that most professionals use that crazy DSM IV testing, but it is not always accurate..
For depression is always harder to be seen then most think!
Take me, I can laugh, smile, hang out with friends, and family.... but when alone I becomes saddden, overwhelmed and cry for no reason!!
See I am a rape survior (3 years) and a mom who is trying to get over the loss of a pregnacy (twins last year, 12 weeks).. I have lost several friends from the war, starting with the Pentagon attcak!!
I also know of a few people who are sad all the time and yet this test tells them that they are fine.. Fine but wanting to die?
I know that the doctors can take a look at your chemical balances in the brain, through the EEG"s and through the useage of blood testing. My dad has done this after having a stroke, okay 7.. He takes a pill to manage the imbalances in the brain so he does not become depressed..
I would check into this on the web if this was me and would make sure that people know what you think is going on!! If all eles fails get another opionion!!
Diagnosing depression is done by using the DSM IV, there is no bloodtest for depression as of yet.
DSM-IV-TR or ICD-10.
To diagnose depression, your doctor may perform a physical examination, including tests to rule out conditions that can cause symptoms that mimic depression.
If your doctor sees signs of severe depression or suspects the possibility of suicide, he or she may refer you to a medical doctor who specializes in mental illness (psychiatrist) or even recommend immediate hospitalization.
Your doctor or psychiatrist diagnoses depression based on the hallmark signs and symptoms of the disease, plus the presence of other signs and symptoms that typically accompany depression.