Are There Tests That Can Help Diagnose Depression?

— -- Question: Are there tests that can help diagnose depression?

Answer: This is a question that's commonly asked. And the answer unfortunately is right now we don't really have any tests like that that can be used to diagnose depression. Really, the best way to diagnose depression is to conduct a clinical interview with the patient and ask them about symptoms of depression. You know, there may be a point some time in the future where we might be able to do blood tests or imaging studies to help make the diagnosis, but right now unfortunately there's nothing like that available, and nothing like that will be available probably not any time in the near future.

Next: When Is It Best To Send People To Psychiatric/Mental Health Specialists To Diagnose Depression?

Previous: How Is Depression Diagnosed?