General information for adults. Not medical or psychotherapeutic advice; not a substitute for examination, diagnosis or treatment.
What changes might be noticeable?
Examples include persistent low mood, reduced enjoyment, low energy and problems with sleep or concentration. These examples are not a complete checklist and cannot be used for self-diagnosis. [1]
Why ask about duration and daily life?
Professionals consider how long symptoms have lasted and how much they affect a person’s life. The often-mentioned duration of at least two weeks is one diagnostic consideration; it does not establish depression by itself. [2]
What does assessment involve?
A conversation explores symptoms, their course, health history and life circumstances. Physical examinations or laboratory tests may help investigate other explanations, such as a thyroid condition. A blood test alone does not diagnose depression. [2][3]
What can questionnaires do?
They can identify possible signs and record symptoms in a structured way. An elevated score does not replace a full diagnostic assessment through direct conversation. [2]
Do you have to wait two weeks?
The diagnostic timeframe is not a requirement to wait. Earlier contact with a professional is appropriate when distress is substantial or there are safety concerns. [3] depression.zone does not assess personal symptoms or replace professional advice.
READ FURTHER & CHECK THE SOURCES
Sources and context
How should I interpret these sources?
Source notes identify the provider, their use in this article and known limitations. The source-comparison date below is not the original publication date. No update date is assumed where none is available. General findings cannot automatically be applied to an individual; independent medical review of this draft is pending.
- IQWiG · InformedHealth.org: Depression ↗
Provider / domain: www.informedhealth.org
Plain-language overview. Used for terminology, symptoms and course.
- German National Clinical Practice Guideline · Chapter 2 ↗
Provider / domain: www.leitlinien.de
German-language clinical guideline. Used for diagnostic assessment and the limitations of questionnaires.
- NHS: Diagnosis – Depression in adults ↗
Provider / domain: www.nhs.uk
Patient information on assessment. Provider’s last review: 5 July 2023; planned review date of 5 July 2026 has passed. Used as a supplementary source only.
Research and source comparison: 29 October 2026. Prepared with AI assistance. Editorial responsibility: Mario V.W.B.R. Obst. Independent medical expert review is pending. Independent medical expert review has not taken place.