The diagnosis of depression begins with a physical exam by a doctor. Because certain viruses, medicines, and illnesses can also cause symptoms of depression, your doctor will want to know when your symptoms started, how long they have lasted, and how severe they are. He or she will ask whether you have had similar symptoms of depression before and about past treatments you may have received.
Your family history of depression and other mental illnesses is very important, as is any history of drug or alcohol use. Although there is no “depression test” that a mental health expert can use to diagnose symptoms of depression, there are certain features, which he or she will look for in order to make the proper diagnosis of depression.