How is depression typically diagnosed?

Depression is typically diagnosed through a comprehensive evaluation that includes standardized scales and an assessment of various symptoms. Clinicians often use validated tools, such as the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) or the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), as part of their diagnostic process. These scales help measure the severity of depression symptoms and provide a structured way to evaluate a person's mental health.

In addition to standardized scales, healthcare professionals consider the duration, intensity, and impact of the symptoms on the individual's daily functioning. This thorough approach ensures that the diagnosis is not based solely on subjective reports, making it more reliable and robust.

While symptoms are indeed crucial for diagnosis, the combination of both subjective symptom evaluation and objective measure through standardized tools provides a comprehensive understanding of the individual's mental health status, which is essential for establishing an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.