Symptoms and Diagnosis
- soulsunleashed
- July 12, 2025
Depression, medically known as Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), is a serious mental health condition characterized by persistent sadness and a loss of interest in daily life.
Early and accurate diagnosis is critical because untreated depression can worsen over time and increase the risk of suicide.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How long do symptoms have to last before it’s considered depression?
Symptoms must persist for at least two weeks and cause significant distress or impact daily life.
Can physical symptoms be the only sign of depression?
Yes! Many people, especially older adults, first report physical complaints like fatigue or pain rather than emotional symptoms.
How accurate are depression screening tools like the PHQ-9?
Highly accurate for detecting moderate-to-severe depression, though a professional diagnosis is always needed to confirm.
Is brain imaging used to diagnose depression?
Not yet routinely. While brain scans reveal important patterns linked to depression, they remain primarily research tools for now.
KEY TERMS
Biomarkers & Blood Tests
- Inflammatory markers (cytokines)
- Hormonal changes
- Gut microbiome signals
Brain Imaging
- fMRI scans reveal abnormal connectivity in mood-regulation circuits in people with depression.
- Researchers hope brain imaging might one day become a diagnostic tool—though it’s not yet standard practice.
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Digital Monitoring
- Text patterns
- Voice tone
- Physical activity
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