How to Differentiate Between Depression & Other Similar Disorders

Differentiating between depression and other similar disorders is a delicate task that requires a full evaluation by a trained professional. Since the most common signs of depression are also symptoms of other mental illnesses, diagnosis depends on the results of an extensive case history. Characteristics of depression such as fatigue, loss of interest and sleep disturbance are frequent complaints of people suffering from other, similar disorders. Due to this fact, a person easily believes he is suffering from depression when in fact there is some other underlying condition. A full assessment of both current and past symptoms allows a clear differentiation between depression and other similar disorders.

Things You'll Need

• Notebook
• Pen

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Instructions

How to Differentiate Between Depression & Other Similar Disorders

• 1

  Identify symptoms, past and present. Symptoms are the main way to differentiate between depression and other similar disorders. Signs that existed previously, but have since diminished, are vital to the diagnostic process, especially when trying to differentiate between depression and other similar disorders. Overlooking just one characteristic because it occurred months or years earlier prompts an incorrect diagnosis and subsequent treatment plan. Leave out important symptoms and you will spend more time trying to figure out what's wrong instead of fixing it. Always reveal all signs of mental illness, even those that seem less common or relevant.

• 2

  For reference, create a list of recurring signs of the problem. A comprehensive account of symptoms provides a place to track significant behaviors and is easy to refer to when kept in a small notebook or journal. Write each symptom down as it is recognized, and make sure to include the frequency and rate of occurrence. This information is useful for differentiating between depression and other similar disorders.

• 3

  Cross reference the list of symptoms with friends and family members. Most people are unable to see all of the visible signs of mental illness without the assistance of another person. A loved one sees signs that are not apparent to the person suffering from them. Quite often the disorder gets in the way and clouds the ability to recognize important traits. Ask close friends if they notice signs of impulsiveness, risky behavior, irritability or aggressiveness. All of these characteristics are examples of symptoms that alert to something more than just depression.

• 4

  Consult a professional. A medical doctor or psychiatrist has the training necessary to properly differentiate between depression and other disorders using the information you have logged. Experts use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - Fourth Edition (DSM IV) to classify and distinguish all forms of depression and conditions that appear similar. Once the professional receives all the needed information, a diagnosis is made and a treatment plan is put into effect.

• 5

  Track symptoms and evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment to ensure that the differentiation made between depression and other similar disorders is correct. Once the treatment is put into place, check the validity of the differentiation by measuring the effectiveness of the regimen. If the treatment works, the diagnosis is likely correct. A negative reaction to the treatment plan suggests that the prior differentiation, and subsequent diagnosis, is wrong. Reassess the symptoms with your physician to create a new method of treatment.