How depression is diagnosed

Where to start when you are unsure what is happening

Perhaps you tire more easily, sleep poorly or no longer enjoy your usual activities. At a first appointment, you can start with what has changed and what feels hardest now. You do not need to distinguish depression from exhaustion or anxiety yourself.

You can begin with a psychiatrist for a diagnostic assessment. The doctor considers your symptoms alongside your health history and discusses possible explanations. If you already see a psychologist or psychotherapist, mention this at the appointment.

What will the doctor ask at your first appointment?

The conversation may start with an ordinary day: how you sleep, whether you have enough energy and what has become harder at work or home. The doctor will ask when the changes began, how often you notice them and whether you have had similar periods before.

It is also useful to mention periods of unusually high energy or activity when you needed much less sleep. Together with information about physical health, medicines, alcohol and other substances, this helps the doctor consider different explanations.

Questions about safety and thoughts of self-harm help establish how urgently support is needed. If a question is unclear or a subject feels difficult, say so: you can ask for an explanation or a pause.

Will you need questionnaires or blood tests?

The PHQ-9 questionnaire can help describe symptoms and compare them over time. However, the same score does not mean the same situation for everyone: duration, effects on daily life and other circumstances matter. A questionnaire alone does not establish a diagnosis.

There is no blood test that confirms depression on its own. Further investigations are used when indicated, for example to check possible physical causes of fatigue or other symptoms. You do not need a standard package of tests in advance: discuss this with the doctor first.

How to prepare without adding pressure

If it is convenient, keep a few brief notes. They can help you remember what matters during the conversation.

• What has changed and roughly when it began.
• One or two examples of how it affects everyday activities.
• Medicines and supplements you take, and any available medical reports.
• What you most want to understand at the consultation.

If you do not have the energy to prepare, you can attend without notes. For an online appointment, choose somewhere you can speak privately if possible.

What will you learn after the appointment?

Ask the doctor to explain which causes they are considering, what is already clear and what needs clarification. An initial assessment is possible at the first meeting, but further information, investigations or another appointment may be needed for a fuller picture.

Next steps may include psychotherapy, discussing medication support, further investigations or monitoring. Agree when to meet again and where to seek help if you feel worse before the next appointment.