Mental illnesses are sometimes difficult to diagnose because they rely on self-reported symptoms. Be careful not to confuse depression with these pathologies presenting similar disorders.
No clinical test can, on its own, confirm depression. While a biopsy can diagnose cancer and a blood test can reveal diabetes, mental illness does not have a specific dedicated examination. Its diagnosis is mainly based on the evaluation of symptoms reported by the patient and the clinical observation of the doctor. This reality makes the diagnosis particularly complex, requiring a holistic and personalized approach. A 2012 American study revealed that 26 to 45% of patients diagnosed with depression did not actually meet the criteria for a depressive illness. In 2009, a team of researchers showed that general practitioners were only able to identify depression in 47% of cases. Misdiagnosis is therefore not uncommon. Depression can be confused with other illnesses.
1 – Bipolar disorders
Like depressed patients, people with bipolar disorder may feel desperate, devalued and sometimes have suicidal thoughts. Emotions that intensify in dark times, but which, unlike depression, can suddenly disappear. Individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder also experience excess confidence and well-being. According to a 2011 study, 22% of bipolar people are misdiagnosed with depression. Researchers revealed in 2013 that bipolarity could take up to 10 years before being diagnosed. This is why it is important not to confuse these two pathologies, especially since treatments for bipolar disorder can worsen depressive disorders.
2 – Hypothyroidism
Other symptoms similar to depression, those of hypothyroidism. This disease is diagnosed when the thyroid does not release enough hormones necessary for the body to function properly. Often, people with hypothyroidism feel tired, sad or even unmotivated. Characteristics found in depression. However, a blood test evaluating the TSH level can easily confirm the diagnosis of hypothyroidism. In the event of a drop in diet, consult your doctor to request this dosage.
3 – Diabetes
“Living with diabetes, a disease that can be treated but not cured, is not easy every day. There are ups and downs “ as many diabetics say underlines the French Federation of Diabetics. There tiredness, THE mood changes associated with diabetes can be confused with signs of depression. The Federation confirms that “people with diabetes are more affected than people without diabetes by psychological disorders such as depression, anxiety or nervous fatigue“. Likewise, the presence of depression in a condition predisposing to diabetes increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
4 – Chronic fatigue
Chronic fatigue syndrome can easily be confused with a depressive state. Characterized by difficulty concentrating, muscle pain or even sleep problems, These symptoms are quite similar to those of depression. A study published in 2008 revealed that chronic fatigue syndrome was diagnosed in more than 80% of people who suffer from it. Indeed, depression is often misdiagnosed in these patients. However, a notable difference exists between these two diseases: unlike depression, chronic fatigue syndrome does not alter patients’ interest and motivation to be active. They just lack energy.