2. Recognize common pitfalls associated with missing the diagnosis of depression.

3. Gain proficiency in explaining to a patient the diagnosis of a mental illness. Understand the patient’s resistances to accepting such a diagnosis.

Unit 4 Section 1Exercise 2Diagnosing depression

The following video clips both relate to the diagnosis of depression.

The first is a humorous/sardonic skit depicting an inept doctor interacting with a depressed patient. Alec Anders:

The second is a psychologist talking about the diagnosis of depression.
Jean Gearon:

Answer the following questions.

Study Questions

1. What ‘evidence’ does the patient in Anders' skit give that she’s depressed?
2. How does the doctor address her symptoms? Do you think his approach to the patient is the exception or the rule? Link to the clinical correlate to read about the underdiagnosis of depression in primary care. What reasons can you give as to why the doctor focuses on organic disease?
3. How can a physician effectively communicate to patients that their illness is real, and not just ‘all in their head?’
4. Make a list of Dr. Gearon's prose description of symptoms and signs of depression. Compare these with the diagnostic criteria of major depression as listed in the DSM IV. What additional insights did you gain from Dr. Gearon that are not included in the formal criteria?