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Tests and diagnosis
By Mayo Clinic staffWhen doctors suspect someone has depression, they generally ask a number of questions and may do medical and psychological tests. These tests can help rule out other problems that could be causing your symptoms, pinpoint a diagnosis and also check for any related complications. These exams and tests may include:
- Physical exam. This generally involves measuring your height and weight; checking your vital signs, such as heart rate, blood pressure and temperature; and listening to your heart and lungs.
- Laboratory tests. For example, your doctor may do a blood test called a complete blood count (CBC) or test your thyroid to make sure it's functioning properly.
- Psychological evaluation. To check for signs of depression, your doctor or mental health provider will talk to you about your thoughts, feelings and behavior patterns. He or she will ask about your symptoms and whether you've had similar episodes in the past. You'll also discuss any thoughts you may have of suicide or self-harm. Your doctor may have you fill out a written questionnaire to help answer these questions.
Diagnostic criteria for atypical depression
To be diagnosed with atypical depression, you must meet the symptom criteria spelled out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). This manual is published by the American Psychiatric Association and is used by mental health providers to diagnose mental conditions and by insurance companies to reimburse for treatment.
For a diagnosis of atypical depression, you must first meet the general DSM criteria for major depression — which includes feeling down and losing interest in things you once enjoyed. You'll also need to meet other, specific criteria for atypical depression.
For a diagnosis of atypical depression you must have this symptom:
- Being cheered up by positive events
In addition, you must have at least two of these symptoms for diagnosis:
- Gaining weight gain or having a noticeable increase in appetite
- Sleeping excessively
- Being sensitive to rejection by others
- Having a heavy feeling in the arms and legs
Atypical depression has a very specific definition as a diagnosable condition. But, be aware that some doctors and mental health providers may use the term more loosely. Ask for clarification if it isn't clear what exactly your doctor or mental health provider means when he or she says "atypical depression."
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- Atypical features specifier. In: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM-IV-TR. 4th ed. Arlington, Va.: American Psychiatric Association; 2000. http://www.psychiatryonline.com. Accessed April 13, 2010.
- Stewart JW, et al. DSM-IV Depression with atypical features: Is it valid? Neuropsychopharmacology. 2009;34:2625.
- Pae C, et al. Atypical depression: A comprehensive review. CNS Drugs. 2009;2:1023.
- Depression. National Institute of Mental Health. http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression/index.shtml. Accessed April 13, 2010.
- Lyness JM. Depression: Epidemiology and pathogenesis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed April 13, 2010.
- Loosen PT, et al. Mood disorders. In: Ebert MH, et al. Current Diagnosis and Treatment: Psychiatry. 2nd ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw Hill; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aid=3285019. Accessed April 13, 2010.
- Katon W, et al. Initial treatment of depression in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed April 13, 2010.
- Kung S (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. April 26, 2010.
- Martinez M, et al. Psychopharmacology. In: Hales RE. Textbook of Psychiatry. Arlington, Va.: American Psychiatric Publishing; 2008. http://www.psychiatryonline.com/content.aspx?aID=320111. Accessed April 13, 2010.
- van der Watt G, et al. Complementary and alternative medicine in the treatment of anxiety and depression. Current Opinion in Psychiatry. 2008;2:37.
- Mischoulon D. Update and critique of natural remedies as antidepressant treatments. Obstetrics & Gynecology Clinics of North America. 2009;36:789.
- Wahner-Roedler D. Treating 20 common conditions. In: Bauer B. Mayo Clinic Book of Alternative Medicine. 2nd ed. New York, N.Y.: Time Inc.; 2010:167.
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