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Depression

Evaluation of Depression

Evaluation should identify characteristics of depressed mood, loss of interest in usually pleasurable activities, history of past episodes of depression. The presence of insomnia, weight loss, hallucinations, suicidal ideation and planning, or alcohol or drug abuse should be sought.

Family History. Depression or other mood disorders, suicide, drug or alcohol abuse.

Bipolar (manic-depressive) Disorder. Before prescribing antidepressants, determine whether the patient has ever

DSM-IV Diagnostic Criteria for Depression

At least five of the following symptoms must be present, including at least one of the first two for

1. Loss of interest or pleasure in prozac, zoloft usual

2. Depressed mood

3. Significant increase or decrease in

4. Insomnia or hypersomnia

5. Psychomotor agitation or retardation

6. Fatigue or loss of

7. Feelings of worthlessness or excessive or

8. Diminished ability to think or concentrate; indecisiveness

9. Recurrent thoughts of death or suicidal, with or without a

Medical Conditions Mimicking Depression

A. Drug Intoxication. Alcohol, barbiturates, cocaine, opiates, Paxil, depresion.

B. Metabolic Disorders.