If you’ve been feeling persistently sad and unlike yourself lately, you may wonder whether it could be depression and how it can be diagnosed. About 3 in 10 adults have been diagnosed with depression at some point in their lives. Still, many people don’t realize just how much they’ve been struggling.

As one MyDepressionTeam member shared, “It’s often hard to recognize the signs within ourselves, especially when we’re used to putting ourselves last to avoid being labeled as selfish.”

While tracking how you feel can be helpful, depression should be diagnosed by a qualified healthcare professional, such as a primary care doctor or mental health professional. Here’s what to expect from depression screening and diagnosis, including the tests and tools that may be used. You’ll also learn tips on how to take the next step toward getting help.

🗳️ Have you been diagnosed with depression?

Yes, I’ve been diagnosed with it.

No, I was assessed but don’t have it.

No, and I haven’t been assessed for it.

Not sure/Doesn’t apply

Thanks! You've successfully submitted your vote.

Sign up to view the results!

Continue with Facebook

Continue with Google

Continue with Email

By joining, you accept our Terms of Use, and acknowledge our collection, sharing, and use of your data in accordance with our Health Data and Privacy policies.

Already a member? Log In

What Happens During a Depression Evaluation

If screening suggests you may have depression, your provider will move into a more thorough evaluation. This usually includes questions about:

• Your symptoms — How long you’ve felt this way, how severe your symptoms are, and how much they interfere with work, school, or relationships
• Your history — Past episodes of depression, other mental health diagnoses, and any family history of mood disorder
• Your daily functioning — Changes in sleep, appetite, energy, concentration, or interest in activities you used to enjoy
• Safety — Whether you’ve had thoughts of harming yourself or others. Providers ask this routinely as part of a standard safety assessment.

You can also call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room if you feel you’re at risk to yourself or others.

Your provider may also ask about alcohol or substance use, medications, and recent major life changes or losses. Although depression doesn’t always have an identifiable cause, these questions can help uncover possible triggers.

What To Say to Your Doctor

It can be hard to know where to start when talking about your mental health. A few tips can help you prepare:

• Be specific about your symptoms — Instead of “I feel sad,” try describing what’s changed, like “I don’t have the energy to talk to people I enjoyed talking to in the past.”
• Note when your symptoms started — Mention roughly when your symptoms began and whether anything seemed to trigger them.
• Bring up other conditions and medications — List any medical conditions, supplements, or medications you’re taking, since some can affect mood.
• Mention safety concerns honestly — If you’ve had thoughts of self-harm, sharing this with your provider helps them understand what you’re experiencing and determine what support or level of care may be appropriate.
• Ask questions — It’s OK to ask what your provider thinks is going on, what tests they’re ordering, and why.

Writing down your symptoms and questions before your appointment can make the conversation easier, especially if anxiety or low energy makes it hard to organize your thoughts on the spot.

How Depression Is Diagnosed

Your provider weighs the information they gathered from the evaluation alongside the diagnostic criteria in the DSM-5-TR manual. This is the standard reference providers use to diagnose major depressive disorder and other psychiatric conditions.

A diagnosis generally requires the presence of at least five symptoms during the same two-week period. The symptoms must also cause significant distress or interfere with your daily life, such as work, school, or relationships.

At least one symptom has to be:

• A depressed mood — Feeling sad, empty, or hopeless most days
• Loss of interest or pleasure — A lack of interest in things you used to enjoy

The remaining symptoms your doctor will assess for may include:

• Noticeable weight or appetite changes
• Sleeping a lot more or less than usual
• Moving or speaking more slowly, or feeling restless
• Loss of energy most days
• Feeling worthless or overly guilty
• Trouble concentrating or making decisions
• Recurring thoughts about death or suicide

To diagnose depression, your doctor will also rule out other possible causes, such as a medical condition, medication, substance use, or bipolar disorder. The DSM-5-TR provides diagnostic criteria, but your symptoms, health history, and your doctor’s clinical judgment ultimately guide the diagnosis.

What To Expect After the Evaluation

What happens after evaluation depends on your screening results, your provider’s clinical assessment, and any test results. If you receive a diagnosis, your doctor will discuss treatment options, including therapy, medication, or both, depending on your symptoms and preferences.

Note that your doctor will factor in the type of depression you have when preparing your treatment plan. You might get a referral for talk therapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), start an antidepressant, or receive guidance on lifestyle changes such as improving sleep, activity, and nutrition. Your doctor may also refer you to a psychiatrist or therapist if specialized care would be beneficial.

You’ll typically have a follow-up appointment within a few weeks or a month to discuss how you’re feeling, assess your progress and make any changes to the treatment plan, if needed. With consistent treatment, recovery from depression is possible.