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Real members of MyDepressionTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Why does your information say there are no tests for depression?

A MyDepressionTeam Member asked a question 💭
San Francisco Bay Area

I got a SPECT nuclear brain scan which showed I have 2 reasons for my 3 neuroses, ADD, anxiety with panic attacks and persistent depressive disorder. It showed lack of glucose uptake in my prefrontal cortex which was the most severe, my ADD diagnosis, while my temporal lobes which severely lacked glucose uptake too, the cause of my anxiety being out of control since 18 and depression since 27 chronically. It's abnormal blood flow, hypoperfusion, missing neurons or neurons incapable of glucose… read more

January 13
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MyDepressionTeam

Why isn't there a standard laboratory test for diagnosing depression?

The information about "no laboratory tests" for depression refers to current standard diagnostic practice in mainstream psychiatry. While brain imaging technologies like SPECT scans exist, they're not widely used as diagnostic tools for depression in Show Full Answer

Why isn't there a standard laboratory test for diagnosing depression?

The information about "no laboratory tests" for depression refers to current standard diagnostic practice in mainstream psychiatry. While brain imaging technologies like SPECT scans exist, they're not widely used as diagnostic tools for depression in most clinical settings.

Currently, depression diagnosis relies on symptom assessment based on established criteria. Blood or urine tests may be ordered, but these are typically used to rule out other medical conditions with similar symptoms rather than to diagnose depression itself.

Your experience with SPECT scanning represents a specialized approach that isn't part of standard diagnostic protocols. While some practitioners use brain imaging, it hasn't been adopted as a routine diagnostic tool across the mental health field.

It sounds incredibly frustrating that you've tried over 30 different medications without finding the right combination, especially when you feel your current providers aren't listening to what worked before. Your knowledge of your own condition is valuable.

Finding a psychiatrist who can work with your current providers might help ensure your treatment plan aligns with what the original psychiatrist recommended. A psychiatrist has the medical training to prescribe and adjust psychiatric medications, which could be particularly important given your complex medication history.

Your situation highlights how challenging it can be when treatment plans change and providers don't seem to understand your specific needs.

January 13
A MyDepressionTeam Member

Why doesn't my current prescriber rely on the expertise of my previous prescribers in prescribing the right medications? Why isn't there consistency in mental health treatment and why don't they listen to my successful treatments treating me appropriately? Is being comfortable such a difficult concept?

February 15

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