Take a depression quiz or self-test. It asks questions about syptoms of depression. A thorough diagnostic test includes a complete history of the patient's symptoms.
They might ask you:
1. When did the symptoms start?
2. How long have they lasted?
3. How severe are they?
4. Have the symptoms occurred before, and if so, were they treated and what treatment was received?
They also ask you about alcohol and drug use and whether you had thoughts about death or suicide and if any of your family members suffer from it.
Worksited: http://www.medicinenet.com/depression/page7.htm
They might ask you:
1. When did the symptoms start?
2. How long have they lasted?
3. How severe are they?
4. Have the symptoms occurred before, and if so, were they treated and what treatment was received?
They also ask you about alcohol and drug use and whether you had thoughts about death or suicide and if any of your family members suffer from it.
Worksited: http://www.medicinenet.com/depression/page7.htm