Signs & assessment
How is depression assessed by a professional?
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. [1][2]
General information for adults. Not medical or psychotherapeutic advice; not a substitute for examination, diagnosis or treatment.
Sources & editorial status
- German National Clinical Practice Guideline · Chapter 2 ↗
German-language clinical guideline. Used for diagnostic assessment and the limitations of questionnaires.
- NHS: Diagnosis – Depression in adults ↗
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.
Compiled from an existing article: 31 October 2026. Source comparison in the article: 29 October 2026. Prepared with AI assistance; independent medical review is pending. Editorial compilation; independent medical expert review has not taken place.
Editorial responsibility: Mario V.W.B.R. Obst. Known limitations and the use of each source are explained alongside the reference. A source-comparison date is not the publication date of the original source.