What do psychiatrists look for when diagnosing depression?

Psychiatrists diagnose depression through a clinical evaluation by obtaining details about mood symptoms, how long the symptoms were present and how they developed and changed over time. A good clinician tries to understand the nature of your symptoms but also the context of those symptoms. 

Depression is more than feeling sad occasionally. Sadness is an emotion all of us feel at some points in our lives. But depression is a clinical syndrome that affects mood, energy levels, sleep, appetite, motivation and concentration. At times, if depression is severe, the person may experience suicidal thoughts as well. 

So, what might a psychiatrist look for when they are speaking with you? If your primary presenting symptom is depressed mood or irritability, they are looking to assess how long symptoms have been present, if there is loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities and there are excessive feelings of guilt or hopelessness. They are also looking to see if these symptoms affect your functioning at home and at work or school. All good psychiatric evaluations should also rule out any other cooccurring symptoms such as anxiety, bipolar disorder or ADHD. It should also include an assessment of any possible safety issues such as suicidal thoughts. 

If you have been experiencing unusually low mood, changes in energy levels, self-confidence, sleep or appetite for at least 2 weeks and these symptoms interfere with your life, it may be time to seek an evaluation. 

If you have suicidal thoughts:

If you have suicidal thoughts, do not feel safe or need immediate support, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7.

You can also text HOME to 741741 for free, confidential crisis support by text.

If you are in immediate danger, you can also call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away.

Here are some regional crisis lines in some New Jersey Counties: 

Somerset county where we are located: PESS (Psychiatric Emergency Screening Services) at 908-526-4100. https://www.bridgewaybhs.org/services.somerset.pess.html

Hunterdon Country: Hunterdon Behavioral Health and Crisis Intervention (24-Hour Crisis Hotline), 908-788-6400

Middlesex county: University Behavioral Health Care crisis line. 24 hour phone and walk-in services, (800) 969-5300 or (732) 235-5700