Can people be tested for depression? The simple answer is, not yet. There are tests that can be done on the different symptoms of depression that a person exhibits, but not a test that will say whether you are depressed or not. Blood tests can be performed to check hormone levels, as well as other aspects that may cause the same symptoms as depression. Currently there is research going on that will hopefully lead to a comprehensive depression test in the near future.
There are a few blood tests that are performed routinely that can indicate any underlying issues that cause some of the symptoms associated with depression. One is a complete blood count, also known as a CBC. This test takes a look at the different blood cells in the body and whether the levels are normal or not. A change in any of the levels could indicate infection or anemia, either of which will cause symptoms that are very similar to depression such as lethargy and chronic fatigue.
Abnormalities in the thyroid can also cause depression like symptoms. You may be feeling run down, or gaining weight despite eating right and getting regular exercise. This hormonal imbalance can also cause depression like symptoms. If you have hypothyroidism you may always feel run down due to a very slow metabolism. If you have an overactive thyroid, also known as hyperthyroidism you may be feeling the opposite. This may seem like it is a blessing in disguise, but the symptoms are very similar to those that are manic/depressed due to the fact that there are high periods experienced when the metabolism is running fast, followed by low periods when the metabolism has burnt up all the energy and is running sluggish and slow. Again, a simple blood test can determine if you have a thyroid problem.
There are an abundance of different tests that can be performed to determine some of the underlying causes of the symptoms you may be experiencing There are tests to find out how well your kidneys are functioning, and your liver. Both of these organs when not functioning properly, can cause many depression symptoms. High cholesterol levels, and blood glucose are also factors to consider.
Being deficient in certain vitamins and minerals can also cause depression like symptoms. Magnesium, B complex and Calcium as well as folic acid play a very large and important role in the body. Not having enough of these vitamins can cause you to feel sluggish, run down, tired and as if you don’t have the drive or motivation to do anything.
There are some diseases that can cause symptoms of depression that you wouldn’t even consider. Lyme disease, caused by the bite of the common deer tick, can cause some of these same symptoms. You may get bitten by one during the Summer, not notice it in the first stages, and by the time Winter starts, you’re feeling lethargic, run down, and have chronic pain, all the signs of depression, but what actually is is the second and third stages of Lyme disease.
There are also a great number of excellent resources online that can help you determine if you are depressed. There are checklists that you can find and go through that will help you determine if what you are experience is chronic and what you can do about those chronic issues.
It is important to remember that everyone feels down and out at one point or another in their life. Many feel a little depressed in the winter months when they are stuck in their homes and not able to get out and enjoy the sunshine. There are also external forces that can cause you to feel down such as a death in the family, change in relationships such as a divorce or birth of child or too much stress from work. The difference is that the feelings you are experiencing due to these types of events will change, they will get better and go away. The sun will come out, spring is just around the corner, you will adapt to the changes life has thrown at you.
It is when these symptoms don’t go away or over time, get worse, or you begin to have thought of suicide that you need to try to get help, and get it as soon as possible. In 2005, the National Institute of Mental Health reported that some kind of depression effects more than 18 million American Adults, almost 10% of the population over 18. This doesn’t take into account those that never do something about it, or the kids under 18. In most cases, depression starts at an early age, with preteens and adolescents in particular.
Dr. Di Noto is an internal medicine doctor whose clinic is in Michigan. For help with depression or to schedule an appointment, please visit Dr. Di Noto’s site.