Problems associated with the diagnosis of depression

Abstract

Depressive disorders are both common and often easily treated. However, a major stumbling block in the care of these patients remains the recognition and accurate diagnosis of these conditions. The author summarizes commonly encountered pitfalls in the diagnosis of these patients and potential remedies. Issues of subtyping depression based on cross-sectional evaluation of the symptom picture, as well as prior course of illness, anticipated treatment response, and anticipated prognosis, are discussed.