Undiagnosed Depressive disorders

Contents

Undiagnosed Depressive disorders:

Although very common, depression is surprisingly still an under-diagnosed condition. Certain groups such as the elderly often have overlooked depression. O One reason is that many people with depression are not aware that they have a serious problem, and might only visit their general practitioner about some physical symptoms such as fatigue, aches, and pains. Lack of awareness of their mental symptoms means that people with depression are less likely to seek treatment from psychologists or psychiatrists but more likely to see the family doctor.

Medical news about undiagnosed Depressive disorders:

The following medical news items are relevant to nondiagnosis of Depressive disorders:

Undiagnosed Depressive disorders discussion:

Most people with a depressive illness do not seek treatment, although the great majority-even those whose depression is extremely severe-can be helped. Thanks to years of fruitful research, there are now medications and psychosocial therapies such as cognitive/behavioral, "talk," or interpersonal that ease the pain of depression. (Source: excerpt from Depression: NIMH)

Undiagnosed Causes of Depressive disorders

As part of Depressive disorders diagnosis, consider whether any of these underlying medical Depressive disorders causes may have been overlooked:

Familial
Psychological - Stressful events, as perceived by the individual - job loss, relationship failure, identity change, natural disaster, learned helplessness and hopelessness, extreme feelings, negative thinking patterns.
Social- Environment influences the disorder 60-80% of the time
More hidden causes »

Undiagnosed Complications of Depressive disorders

As part of Depressive disorders diagnosis, consider whether any of these Depressive disorders complications may have been overlooked:

Suicide
Increased risk of developing bipolar disorder
Substance and alcohol abuse
More complications »

Undiagnosed Diseases

Read our premium medical health articles on topics related to undiagnosed conditions in general, not necessarily specific to Depressive disorders:

About undiagnosed conditions:

One possible misdiagnosis is the failure to correctly diagnose Depressive disorders leading to a person remaining with undiagnosed Depressive disorders. Any condition can potentially be missed and stay undiagnosed. For a general overview of diseases that are often undiagnosed, see Failure to Diagnose or Under-Diagnosed Diseases.

» Next page: Misdiagnosis of Underlying Causes of Depressive disorders