Tests for Depression?
Q.A friend will soon be off to see an internist for his first physical in some years. He as several reasons for going now, one of which is the subject of this post. So, the question for the net.experts is: He's particularly interested in detecting anything that might cause, indicate or mimic clinical depression (unipolar or bipolar). What specific tests should he make sure get done?
A.I am not aware of any clinical tests or procedures which would lead a trained associate to suspect a diagnosis of clinical depression. The diagnosis is usually made by observing the patient for a syndrome's diagnostic criteria and obtaining a good medical history, including that of family members. There is a test called the DST--the dexamethasone suppression test--which is occasionally useful, but it's given only to obtain one minor data point out of many. It would never be given as a screening test, and even if it came up negative, that wouldn't be as important as the objective signs. No. Depression is a diagnosis you make by considering the symptoms, not by some blood test. If some symptoms are present, there are psychological tests that can be given. If significant symptoms are present, referral to a psychiatrist should be made as diagnosis and treatment of depression (most especially bipolar) is their bailiwick. A hypoactive thyroid could certainly mimic depression. I would request a thyroid profile. Also, anemias could cause fatigue and mimic depression, a CBC would indicate this through hemoglobin and hematocrit values. These are only some of the things that could mimic depression, but are probably the most common. I would also get a SMAC-22 to measure things like NA and K levels, too.
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