clinical depression
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clinical depression test

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Q: Is a blood test for serotonin an accurate and/or reliable way of diagnosing or determining clinical depression
My husband was recently diagnosed with anemia and depression. The anemia was based on physical symptoms and blood tests. The depression diagnosis was based on mental and emotional symptoms. He also asked for a serotonin blood test, which was normal. He’s been taking iron and an antidepressant. Now he says he “feels great” and that he thinks it was all because of the anemia. And he also believes now that he wasn’t really depressed at all, since his serotonin level was normal. I’m really concerned that he will stop taking the antidepressant. And I really don’t want to go back to the way he was when he started taking it. He was lethargic, but also very on edge and easily pissed off/quick to anger. It was like walking on glass around here. I just can’t go through that again…
Thanks.

A: By definition (from the DSM-IV), major depressive disorder can’t be diagnosed if there is a medical condition that could be causing the symptoms. Anemia would make him feel lethargic. While it shouldn’t in itself make him irritable or edgy, people sometimes become that way when they feel like crap. I wasn’t there when he was diagnosed and there may have been other symptoms of depression that could not be attributed to anemia.

Without having seen your husband back then and how he is now, this is a tough question to answer. If he really did have Major Depressive Disorder, then he needs to stay on the antidepressant for at least three months before trying to come off of it (assuming he has never had depressive episodes before–if he has he should stay on the meds longer). At the same time, I have a nagging suspicion that he is right and he did not truly have depression.

A diagnosis of depression is made based on questions and answers with the patient. There is some belief that patients with depression have decreased serotonin activity in their brain. This is still being debated and in order to test for this accurately, you need to do a spinal tap to check for 5-HIAA (breakdown product of serotonin) in the cerebro-spinal fluid. Blood or urine tests are not useful because the results will be skewed by serotonin produced in other parts of the body.

There isn’t any real downside to staying on the antidepressant (unless he is experiencing side effects). If you are that concerned about it, it wouldn’t hurt for him to stay on it for the three months.

Q: If I took a dozen clinical depression tests online…?
Ok, i did. Because i think i do have clinical depression. My doctor a few months ago told me i had depression, and he wanted to “examine” me for a couple months. I’ve been taking medication, and i’m still insanely depressed, and i’m cutting myself. all the tests say i have clinical depression/very severe depression. do you think i do possibly? i’m 13 btw.

A: You should talk to your doctor again, or a parent or counselor at school and tell them that you feel depressed and that you are cutting yourself. Just because you are taking medicine, doesn’t mean it is the right one. My daughter is 11 and she is on her third medicine. You need counseling, and to find a medicine that works. They are not all the same, and they don’t all work on all people.

Q: I’m 13 and I think I have clinical depression. How can I tell i took a test and it said i more than likely
did. i think about suicide alot and am down almost all the time the only time im happy is w/ my internet bf and im an anorexic who cuts herself. my dad doesnt want me on drugs. and he knows im depressed any ideas?

A: If you’re seriously considering suicide and inflicting pain upon yourself then it sounds like you could use some help. I was diagnosed depressed as an adult, and I didn’t think I was at all! Also didn’t believe in taking drugs for it, and was very skeptical about it being a real disease at all. Boy was I wrong. There are some great medications out there if you need them, but you should start with a very effective non-drug therapy called cognitive therapy. Go get the book called “Feeling Good” by David Burns. It will help you self-diagnose effectively, help you feel like you’re not crazy, educate you about depression, and give you some coping mecanisms quickly. If that’s still a struggle, a combination of medication and cognitive therapy may be what you need. Start with the book though. Dad can’t compain about that! :-)
Also – remeber that you’re 13 and being a teenager is tough. It was for everyone who went through it. Don’t be too hard on yourself, and don’t lose sight of the fact that you will grow, learn, adapt, and get better! Whatever your problem is today, it will be gone or will at least be much smaller very soon. That’s a fact!
Oh… and you need to eat. Nobody’s brain functions properly without proper nutrition. No depression drugs will help if you’re starving. Any doctor will tell you that. Maybe you should treat youself to a banana split. That will fill you up and make you happy!

Q: does anyone know of an accurate and reliable online depression test made by a clinical/Professional source?
i really need one that has really helped people that you know or maybe even you because i have taken 2 and they say im severely depressed. :/

please do not tell me to do to a doctor , because i hold my family together and if anything happens to me, the whole family will break , even though it is a small one.

and please note, i am an only child but my dad needs me , so does my nana, grandad aunt and nephew, and i love them all dearly and they love me, they would be so upset if i was clinically depressed.

A: i don’t know of a test but st. johns wart acts like an anti depressant so you could try that without them knowing that you are depressed.I know you dont want to hear go to a doc but maybe you should you don’t want it to get worse and then need someone to help care for you

Q: How do I cure from depression?
I had clinical depression. I sat for the Becks Depression test. I got a score of 17th.

A: I also had clinical depression and discovered two things.

First, I got rid of those wants and needs that contributed to my feelings of low self-esteem and inadequacy.

Second, I started an exercise program. Between an increased endorphan level and getting out in the sun, I reduced my depression, so it’s not as deep and doesn’t last as long.

Q: How do doctors diagnose clinical depression?
Is it based on what you tell them, or do they have an actual test to find out if you really have it or not? In other words, is there a way for them to find out if your brain is not producing the correct amount of horomones?

A: There is a written test called an MMPI-2 test (there are others also..including the old inkblot test lol)
The MMPI-2 is supposed to be spot on accurate at diagnosing one including clinical depression vs situational depression. however I say no test can be 100% accurate. The questions are either true or false, there should be a “sometimes” answer. Anyway, I worked for a psychologist who put much dependency on the MMPI-2 even over his own judgement.. I think if there was a test that could measure the neurotransmitters in one’s brain, then they’d actually get the right psychiatric meds every time, and that’s just not happening.

Q: How do you know if you have clinical depression?
What are some of the signs, and how can I find out, without going to the doctors.

Is there any legitimate real online test that can give you an idea or not?

A: this is the criteria you have to meet to be diagnosed with depression:

http://www.allaboutdepression.com/dia_03.html#1

*Mild Depression:
4 symptoms are present beyond what is needed to make a diagnosis; a person can function normally although with extra effort.

*Moderate Depression:
5-6 symptoms are present. The severity of symptoms is between mild and severe. a person’s judgment is impaired.

*Severe Depression:
7 or more symptoms are present and a person clearly has little or no ability to function.

there are depression tests online, but the best thing is to see a doctor.

Q: Can depression lead to a social phobia and/or anxiety disorder?
I have always been a shy person, but lately I have been feeling even more uncomfortable around people; in some cases, good friends or family that I haven’t seen in a while. I recently took one of those online depression tests, and it said I could have clinical depression. My question is, can depression lead to some form of social anxiety disorder?

A: They are two separate diagnoses but they can be diagnosed at the same time, meds are different. I am on Klonopin for anxiety and Wellbutrin and celexa for depression plus lithium for mood swings.

Q: clinical depression what will happen if i don’t get help?
I have clinical depression but i haven’t been diagnosed by the doctor but i have done professional depression tests online and all the symptoms come back as clinical depression is this bad depression?
I feel weak and hopeless just now i always do never been happy and i keep planing suicide in my head
it’s late here i wanna know what will happen if i contact a doctor i’m 16 and this effected my body, physically and mentally i can’t concentrate properly or even talk to anyone about this that’s why i’ve came online you guys understand what it’s like to go through this everyday i’m not telling my parent they’ll make a joke out of it they did before how can i book a doctors appointment without my parents finding out

A: Theres no such thing as a professional online test. You wont know if you have anything until you get a diagnosis from a doctor. You need to tell your parents or you wont get help. Your other option is to tough it out until your 18. If you tell your parents you can go see a doctor and maybe get medication. If you have something, and its left untreated there can be serious consequences, such as self-harming or suicidal thoughts or actions. I know this from experience. I hid it for a long time, and was put in a pyschiatric hospital for both thoughts and actions concerning cutting and suicide.

Talk to a school counselor if your parents wont take you seriously, or maybe a close friends parent or someone.

Now, go and get help before its too late.

Q: I did a depression test, it said i had bad depression and should see someone, what should i do?
Here is my answer !

Results and recommendations

Your screening results indicate a high likelihood that you are suffering from severe depression.

Your answers also show you might be at risk for harming yourself.

You are advised to see your doctor or a mental health professional immediately for a complete evaluation – or dial “911″ – or call 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255). – or go immediately to the nearest hospital Emergency Room for an evaluation.

This screening is not a substitute for a complete clinical evaluation.

The good news is clinical depression is a very treatable illness. Almost everyone who receives appropriate treatment can soon feel better.

A: Most “self-help” tests of this kind are not worth the paper they are printed on and certainly not the time you spent on it.

If you are depressed you will know you are – you will frequently feel low and worthless, you will be snappy and off hand with those close to you and you will generally not see much to be happy about.

You will also certainly know if you are having any thoughts of self-harm – or more importantly if you had any such thoughts before taking the silly test.

IF you are depressed, and especially if you did have serious thoughts of self harm you MUST see a doctor urgently who may refer you to a psychiatrist. Either should be able to help you.

Q: Does anyone no where i can find a clinical condtion test?
like a quiz to see if i have depression or mania or somthing like that?
thanx 4 the answer randy but i would like to find a free one online?

A: Zoloft is a medication used to treat depression. The following website offers checklists for various mental conditions, which may be helpful to you.

http://www.zoloft.com/zoloft/zoloft.portal?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=recog_how_to_tell

If you are experiencing symptoms of depression, pray. Ask the Lord to come into your heart and fill your loneliness, hurt and sadness with peace. God loves you and doesn’t want you to be unhappy. A relationship with the Lord, our creator, is definately a good start for healing. God Bless!

Q: I think I have dysthymia, Only now I’m worried it is developing into major/clinical depression?
I’m 16 and I have felt very consiously depressed for atleast 3 years. I over the last few days have been researching depression and came across ‘dysthymia’. After extensive research, It seems to fit me nearly perfectly.

I looked because recently I felt a lot worse and have been crying alot and lying in bed hugging my pillow (ridicilious I know) and felt like this ALL day, everyday for the last few weeks. I feel as if I have lost my ability to think-very odd.

I don’t really know what is going on now but I believe I can use dysthymia to explain my present and past in that I feel as if being sad is normal etc. I feel as if right now my feelings are not something I am immune to-It is causing me to lose my logic almost.

Now I am convinced of this I don’t know what to do about it, I have explained over the series of questions on here that I have noone to confide in and need to sort my problems out alone.

I have failed miserably all 6 depression tests I have taken online, But still I don’t really feel as if it is a big-deal and that what I am feeling is normal. I am thinking about if I was to ‘get over’ how I currently feel, how I would change as a person and lose a massive part of my real personality.

I don’t really know what to do, I can’t seek help, Can’t tell anyone else and don’t really feel as if I can deal with it by myself, yet feel as if noone can really help me.

Sorry my question is long and thankyou for reading, If you can offer advice or feel as if you can help I’d be really greatful.

Thanks.
I have tried to keep the question short but I have asked other questions similar.

http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AqLMwl2cDK6eMAcGkwncMlkgBgx.;_ylv=3?qid=20081011120505AAZoph9

http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AvAUvFyM1zCsR5gMaLXQ.PUgBgx.;_ylv=3?qid=20081008121659AAKl1Ob

http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=Aj3lF5yfnF7oBc2mVbHmdU0hBgx.;_ylv=3?qid=20081006113028AACjsaI

http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AtkwCB9PjfWx5fX.MSajuOohBgx.;_ylv=3?qid=20081006095506AAKY0Ns

http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=Ajnp1GNUcCXjwvoAgsfhtf0hBgx.;_ylv=3?qid=20081002122655AAY3Stu

http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AvAUvFyM1zCsR5gMaLXQ.PUhBgx.;_ylv=3?qid=20080515083217AAUUEjQ

A: It is normal to feel melancholy when you are growing from being a child to an adult. Look at the huge amount of music that appeals to this age group – not just today but for every generation.

I read your description of how you feel and I remember feeling and thinking the same things myself when I was 16. Especially when you say: ” I am thinking about if I was to ‘get over’ how I currently feel, how I would change as a person and lose a massive part of my real personality.” I remember thinking exactly the same.

But lying on your bed crying for days on end is quite extreme. I recommend you talk to your GP. Don’t worry. It’s not a big deal and you will still be “you” no matter what.

I hope that helps at least a little. You are obviously a sensitive and intelligent person, I hope you can abstract your situation and look at yourself as a third person. When you are feeling at your worst, try to see the big picture and imagine yourself happy again. That is going to happen. You are going to be happy. So just think of this period as a temporary inconvenience.

Q: I think i having clinical depression,how?
i check the symptoms of clinical depression and i found i amost have it all also i did some online free test and it said i need to see a doctor asap. so yesterday i dig out my pocket money and went to a doctor, he gave me 2 type of medicene,one for sleeping better another one for depression. I’m only 15 i do not want my parent to know. wat should i do?
rott – i’m male and it not about sex i am just a normal student. but i think i got depression long ago but it is becoming worse. i got sad for no reason, lose interest in everything, feeling like a useless junk and i feel like jumping down when i look out the window i don’t know why. i do want my parent to know because i had already give them alot troble. my heart is sour
sorry some error, i do not want my parent to know…

A: Mental health professionals and physicians are careful and deliberate when evaluating their clients for clinical depression. It takes more than just tearfulness or a feeling of sadness on the part of the client to indicate the presence of depression.
A professional should take the time to gather a good deal of information about a YOU before determining if you’re clinically depressed.
In addition to a medical evaluation, a clinical interview, and possibly additional assessments, a professional will evaluate whether YOU have specific symptoms of a mood disorder such as major depression, dysthymia or bipolar disorder.

An accurate diagnosis of a mood disorder such as major depression or bipolar disorder requires a thorough evaluation by a qualified mental health professional. This is a first step towards obtaining appropriate treatment.
On the positive side, YOU are relieved when finally will learn that the symptoms they you are experiencing have a name. This often offers a sense of hope and personal control over your illness as more can be learned about its treatment, causes, and outcome. To me, you sound overstressed, if you are not treated can lead you to clinical depression.Do not worry too much! Leave you PC alone for a while, and enjoy your summer holidays!

Take care as always!

Q: psychologists please answer… do you think being clinically depressed would negatively your scoreon a IQ test?
9 years ago i was diagnosed with clinical depression. at around the same time i took an Iq test with a clinical psychologist. i scored 110 which im not too happy about. do you think being clinically depressed could have made me perform worse on test than i would have done otherwise.

A: i guess it could because it would affect your concentration. and it might change now anywayz seeing as you took it 9 years ago.

i had an iq test when i was a toddler and was told scored highly but that could be a completley different score now that im 16. =]

Q: How do people get clinically diagnosed with depression?
Is there any specific clinical test or do they just ask you questions? If it’s a brain exam, what exactly do they do? If questions, what questions do they ask?
I’m considering this for my son. I’m very worried about him.

A: From Wikipedia

A diagnostic assessment may be conducted by a general practitioner, licensed clinical social worker, or by a psychiatrist or psychologist,[1] who will record the person’s current circumstances, biographical history and current symptoms, and a family medical history to see if other family members have suffered from a mood disorder, and discuss the person’s alcohol and drug use. The assessment also includes a mental state examination, which is an assessment of the person’s current mood and thought content, in particular the presence of themes of hopelessness or pessimism, self-harm or suicide, and an absence of positive thoughts or plans.[1] Specialist mental health services are rare in rural areas, and thus diagnosis and management is largely left to primary care clinicians.[79] This issue is even more marked in developing countries.[80] The score on a rating scale alone is not sufficient to diagnose depression, but they provide an indication of the severity of symptoms for a time period, so a person who scores above a given cut-off point can be more thoroughly evaluated for a depressive disorder diagnosis.[81] Several rating scales are used for this purpose.[81] Screening programs have been advocated to improve detection of depression, but there is evidence that they do not improve detection rates, treatment, or outcome.[82]“

How old is your son? I would recommend a psychologist over anything else, but they can only diagnose, they cannot prescribe. There are many different kinds of anti-depressants for all different kinds and levels of depression. I have what is called dysthymia, which is considered a chronic but mild form of depression. I was put on buproprin about a year ago and the results have been fantastic.

Let me know if I can help you out in some other way
Best of Luck

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