Of course, you know if you’re physically hurt, such as if you have a headache or you fracture a toe. But sometimes it’s less easy to tell whether you may be having behavioral health issues such as depression.
At this point in time, the best tool we have to diagnose depression comes from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, commonly known as DSM-V, now in its fifth edition. The diagnostic criteria in the DSM-V is based on research by psychiatrists, psychologists, and other mental health professionals.
The DSM-V indicates a diagnosis of depression if five or more of these symptoms have been present over a consecutive two-week period and represent a change from previous functioning; at least one of the symptoms is either (1) depressed mood or (2) loss of interest or pleasure:
These symptoms can cause significant distress or impairment in social relationships, problems at work, and other functional areas of life.
It should also be noted that symptoms of clinical depression are not due to the direct physiological effects of substance abuse, medications, or another medical condition (i.e., hypothyroidism).
If you have been experiencing these symptoms and think you may be depressed, don’t hesitate to seek help from a behavioral healthcare provider who can get you the help you need, whether it includes medication and/or therapy.
Behavioral activation therapy is one method used to treat depression. This involves encouraging the patient to participate in activities that can improve mood, such as exercise, socializing, learning new skills, and working on relationships.
You can try behavioral activation therapy at home! Here's how.
At Balanced Living Psychiatry, Dr. Michelle Zipperman is expert at diagnosing and treating depression using integrative psychiatry practices, including behavioral activation therapy. To learn more, contact our Seattle, Washington office today for an appointment.