Diagnosing Depression (Cont.)

Mental Depression

Considering Treatable Causes of Depression

A diagnosis of depression can be made with confidence if a person is experiencing at least five signs of depression (see Symptoms of Depression) over at least a two-week period of time. The recommended depression treatment will depend on the type of depression (see Types of Depression), as well as its severity and the length of time it has been present.

Another factor that will play a role in the treatment of depression is whether it is being caused by another condition. There are a number of treatable conditions that cause depression. Treating these conditions can help improve depression symptoms. Therefore, as part of diagnosing depression, the healthcare provider will also consider these conditions, which can include:

Drug-induced depression from medicines such as:

High blood pressure medications, including beta blockers
Corticosteroids
Benzodiazepines
Antiarrhythmics
Digoxin (Digitek^®, Lanoxicaps^®, Lanoxin^®)
H2 blockers, including cimetidine (Tagamet^®), famotidine (Pepcid^®), nizatidine (Axid^®), and ranitidine (Zantac^®)

Substance abuse, including alcohol or cocaine abuse

Certain metabolic conditions, like:
- Hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism
- Cushing's syndrome
- Diabetes

Neurologic conditions, such as:

Nutritional problems, including vitamin B₁₂ deficiency

Certain cancers, such as pancreatic cancer.

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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD

Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD

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