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Depression Patient Info

Depression What to Expect

The first step in evaluating a patient's depression level is a thorough history and discussion including any new symptoms, distress, new life changes, lifestyle changes, etc. and a complete physical examination.

Common Tests or Labs to Diagnose Depression

Type of Test

What is Tested

Normal Range

Blood Test

Thyroid function and glucose levels

TSH = .5–6 uU/ml
T4 = 4.6–12 ug/dl
T3 = 80–180 ng/dl
RAIU = 10–30%
TBG = 12–20 ug/dl

Blood

Complete blood count (CBC)

CBC Complete Blood Count

Hemoglobin
Men: 13–18 gm/dL
Women: 12–17 gm/dL

Hematocrit
Men: 45–52
Women: 37–48

WBC = 4300–10,800 cmm

RBC = 4.2–5.9 million cells/cubic millimeter

CAT Scan

Brain

Scan uses many x-ray view

Normal would show no masses, no constriction of cerebral blood flow, no obstruction of sinuses or fluid sacs.

MRI

Brain

No breakage in neural synapses, no masses, no obstruction of sinuses or fluid sacs.

EKG

Torso

A normal EKG is a pattern with a P wave followed by a QRS wave, with an interval rest period whereupon the pattern recurs.

P wave rate = 60–100 bpm

P height < 2.5 mm in lead II

P width < .11 in lead II

PR interval= .12–.20 s

QRS complex < .12 s

Normal ST segment= no elevation or depression

EEG

Head

8 Hz most wave frequencies when awake. Some waves are recognized by shape, scalp location and distribution as well as symmetry. There are certain patterns considered normal for both awake and asleep.

Epileptics and various nerve disorders demonstrate an abnormal pattern or wave frequency of 7 or less.

There are several well-respected cognitive tests available to screen for depression and some are geared to a specific age group.

Age 7–17 years: Children's Depression Inventory (CDI)

Seeks input from parents and teachers about the child
Input reflects family and home situations
Input reflects academics and school interactions
Questionnaire of 27 questions with 3 descriptive statements each reflecting feelings within a 2-week interval.
Developed by Dr. Maria Kovacs at University of Pittsburgh

Age 14–80: Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II)

Questionnaire with 21 multiple-choice questions
Depression symptoms are measured in each item
Extent of depression is determined by score tally
Designed by Dr. Neil Beck at University of Pennsylvania

Adults: Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D)

Oral examination of 21 questions as opposed to the others
Gold standard for rating efficacy of antidepressants (according to March/April 2003 issue of “Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics”)
Devised by Dr. Max Hamilton at University of Leeds