when diagnosing clinical depression?

[jessie b]

do they only go on DSM IV TR/ICD 10 criteria or so they test the balance of chemicals in the brain (e.g. serotonin)?

[petra]

Diagnosing depression is done by using the DSM IV, there is no bloodtest for depression as of yet.

[mandalaybay15]

To diagnose depression, your doctor may perform a physical examination, including tests to rule out conditions that can cause symptoms that mimic depression.If your doctor sees signs of severe depression or suspects the possibility of suicide, he or she may refer you to a medical doctor who specializes in mental illness (psychiatrist) or even recommend immediate hospitalization.Your doctor or psychiatrist diagnoses depression based on the hallmark signs and symptoms of the disease, plus the presence of other signs and symptoms that typically accompany depression.