Severe Depression: How to Diagnose the Condition?

Most of us experience a temporary phase in life, better known as “blues”, when we are overwhelmed with a feeling of grief and emptiness. However, such a phase may be temporary and followed by a cheerful and inspiring state of mind. However, depression takes over our being when we find it hard to resume the positive flow of thoughts in our mind. This state of beings represents one’s extremely hopelessness and helplessness towards the way life has been taking shape. The diagnosis of this condition is easy only when it is administered by experienced psychologist. The first step towards the same is the knowledge of the entire medical history of the patient. Furthermore, symptoms such as lethargy, fatigue, chronic sadness, feelings of hopelessness and inadequacy are evident signs towards the progression of a severe depressive state of mind.

The diagnosis of family history is the second step towards the confirmation of severe depression. It is known that depression run in the families, therefore, both genetics and environmental factors play an important role in assessing if the person is prone to this state of mind or not. At last behavioral assessment is another step to determine if the person is actively involved into alcohol consumption, drugs or unprotected sex.