Random question about mental disorders

LegacyUser

I was wondering if there are tests you can take to actually PROVE mental disorders. For example, hundreds of people are 'depressed' but are they really? Maybe they're just sad, going through a rough time etc. Actually it was in the paper a while ago that loads of people are being prescribed anti-depressants when they're not mentally depressed.

If scientests look at your brain will they see the difference? This goes for other mental illnesses too such as schizophrenia, bipolar etc.

I'm asking because I think I'm depressed and want to see if there's a clinic that will look at my brain.

Stupid huh?...

Victor

This is more a post for Biology & Medicine, but there are some tests for diagnosing specific conditions.

For example, a psychologist may use interviews and very substantial questionnaires (500+ questions). A psychiatrist may use interviews, together with observation. I imagine some conditions might have physical tests like a blood test or CAT scan, but I don't know what does would be.

Each condition will have specific criteria - for depression, you need to be depressed for at least a period of weeks and display a number of primary and secondary

You should not self-diagnose - it is for a medical practitioner to make that diagnosis, in consultation with the client.

http://www.vhi.ie/hfiles/hf-008.jsp

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I am moving this thread to Biology & Medicine, but if you want to continue to post anonymously, just post on Personal Issues, explain what you are about and we can move it.

Hivemind187

One of the key treatments of depession is prescription of SSRI's which are Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors which essentially slow the process of serotonin being reabosrobed into the body from the areas where it can effect the brain.

The result is that, over time, more serotonin will be present in the brain tissue. Serotonin is a chemical known to be involved in the feeling of well being (as well a bunch of other stuff) and can be low during a bout of depression (or chronic anxiety or a bunch of other conditions).

Diagnosis comes from interview with a GP (or better yet a clinical psychiatrist) who may decide that you fit the criteria for depression, anxiety etc At this point they may decide to prescribe you somethign for it.

As has been said already DO NOT SELF DIAGNOSE.

Viral infections, chromo-haemotosis, ME, poor diet etc etc etc ad nauseum can lead to a "low feeling". Deciding this is depression by yourself without medical consultation is irresponsible and very dangerous.

Its not stupid, but I think it's worth mentioning that I have been through that system, and Ive always regretted getting help medically. I would greatly recommend that if you have worries like that, you should go for counselling before trying to get any medicinal help. It should be a last resort after a complete professional diagnosis, not a quick-fix. Sometimes anti-depressants are offered all too quickly. Try therapy or getting in touch with aware/samaritans etc, before you do anything rash.