Talking With Your Doctor About Depression: What To Ask

When you visit your doctor and feel you may have signs of depression, it is important to remember that your medical care provider will most often examine the physical symptoms of depression and overlook the psychological symptoms. To have a better opportunity for an accurate diagnosis of depression, a visit to a psychotherapist may be necessary.

However, before making an appointment there are some pointed questions you can ask your doctor to help lead to an appropriate diagnosis. Oftentimes, however your doctor may look for physical ailments before recommending additional scrutiny.

You may want to mention to your doctor if you have been experiencing mood swings, or if you feel unhappy and irritated most of the time. There may be medical reasons behind such symptoms, but physical or psychological, moods swings are an area to be explored professionally. You may also query your physician if you have lost all interest in certain activities you used to enjoy.

Changes in appetite, eating more or eating less is another sign of depression as is having no energy and being tired all the time. Ask you doctor if this is really a sign of depression or of a physical illness. Many times blood tests can rule out the physical medical problems and point the doctor towards the possibility that depression may be playing a role in your problems.
Sometimes people suffering from depression feel nervous and cannot seem to sit still, feeling the need to be doing something all the time or they have problems making decisions. Lack of concentration is a sign of some physical problems as well as depression, so it would be good to consult your physician abut these feelings.

Feelings of worthlessness or feeling guilt about things you have no control over are other signs of stress, and of course if you have thoughts of committing suicide, have planned suicide or have tried to commit suicide, you can skip the part of going to the doctor and immediately seek the help of a professional psychotherapist.

Medical experts estimate that only 34 percent of those suffering from depression seek help for it and of those seeking help only about one-third actually receive the help they need. It is possible that those with depression are not asking the right questions of their doctor in order to receive an accurate diagnosis, but it is also possible the doctor is not asking the right questions, as well.

If someone in your family was ever diagnosed with depression or another type of mental illness, how was it treated is something doctors may want to know to better understand not just your medical history, but also your psychological history. Whether you feel satisfied with your life and are you happy most of the time may offer indications of depression.

Drinking alcohol or using drugs such as marijuana or heroin may be another sign of depression if you use the drugs to feel better about yourself and your life. The bottom line is if self-diagnosis gives you any indication that you may be suffering from depression, it will pay to ask your doctor if additional help is needed.