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Can a general practitioner diagnose depression?
I think that I might have depression, but I don't really know who I should go to for treatment... or who would really diagnose it. Can a primary doctor or GP diagnose depressive symptoms and give me treatment? Or, should I see if he can refer me to a psychologist?
4 Answers
Yes,a GP can definitely diagnose depression, and either refer you for counselling ,start antidepressants or both
Well they may or may not. Just ask.
A good starting point is a self test. Search for Am I depressed on the internet, and you will find numerous self-testing tools. If you via this route see warning flags, then consult your GP for further advice.
The following link the patient asked the same Q. Here is the answer provided.
https://www.zocdoc.com/answers/10297/can-a-general-practitioner-diagnose-the-symptoms-of-depression
Seeing a psychologist/psychiatrist team as a follow-up would be advisable.