Feeling Depressed: Preparing For Your Appointment

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Preparing For Your Appointment

To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment.

Before seeing your health professional, it may be helpful to keep a diary of your symptoms. You can help your health professional diagnose and treat your condition by being prepared to answer the following questions:

• How long have you been troubled with a depressed mood? What is your major symptom?
• What was happening in your life when the depressed mood started?
• How long have you had your symptoms? Do they come and go or are they always present?
• Have you ever had a similar problem in the past? If so, how was it treated?
• What makes your symptoms better or worse?
• Do you have any other symptoms that may be related to your major symptom? Symptoms may include:
  • Rapid or irregular heartbeat.
  • Nausea or vomiting.
  • Numbness or weakness.
  • Excessive sweating.
  • Feeling like you are not able to get enough air (air hunger).
  • Restlessness, irritability, or feeling on edge.
  • Feelings of overwhelming anxiety or fear.
• What prescription or nonprescription medicines are you currently using?
• Are you using alcohol or illegal drugs, such as marijuana or cocaine, to manage your symptoms?
• Have you ever attempted suicide?
• Has a family member or close friend attempted or committed suicide?
• Has anyone else in your family ever been diagnosed with a mental health problem, such as depression or an anxiety disorder?
• Are you taking a medicine to treat depression? What is the medicine? When did you start the medicine? What is the dose that you are taking? Have you or your doctor changed the dose?
• Do you have any health risks?

Last updated:	January 12, 2007
Author:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, Lisa S. Weinstock, MD - Psychiatry
Editors:	Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC, Tracy Landauer