How does the mental health department diagnose depression?

Generally, a psychiatric evaluation for depression typically includes medical history collection, psychological scale assessment, mental status examination, physical examination, and ruling out other diseases. If concerns exist, it is recommended to seek medical advice in advance. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Medical History Collection: The doctor will inquire about the patient's symptoms, onset time, past medical history, family history, and other relevant information. This comprehensive understanding provides a foundation for subsequent diagnosis and helps determine whether the symptoms align with the characteristics of depression.

2. Psychological Scale Assessment: Standardized depression assessment scales, such as the Self-Rating Depression Scale, are used. Patients answer questions based on their personal condition, and the scale scores provide an initial assessment of the severity of depression, assisting the doctor in making a diagnosis.

3. Mental Status Examination: The patient's behavior, emotional state, and thought patterns are observed. Communication with the patient helps understand their inner thoughts and assesses whether core depressive symptoms such as low mood and loss of interest are present.

4. Physical Examination: A physical examination and relevant laboratory tests, such as complete blood count and thyroid function tests, are conducted to rule out depressive symptoms caused by physical illnesses, ensuring accurate diagnosis.

5. Excluding Other Diseases: Differentiation from other mental disorders such as anxiety disorder and schizophrenia is performed. Through symptom comparison and comprehensive analysis, it is determined whether the condition is depression or if there are coexisting mental health issues.

If persistent low mood, loss of interest, or other symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek evaluation from a psychiatrist promptly. During the examination, patients should truthfully report their condition and follow the doctor's instructions to complete all necessary assessments, enabling an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.