Depression Diagnoses Debunked: A New Study Challenges Old Views

[Grim Reaper 6]

The research criticizes the common portrayal of depression as a causative disorder rather than a mere description of symptoms, suggesting that this circular reasoning confuses the nature of psychiatric diagnoses.

Misinformation in Depression Diagnosis

A recent Finnish study shows that people are commonly given misleading information about depression. According to the researchers, the inaccurate information makes it harder for people to understand the causes of their distress.

Most psychiatric diagnoses are purely descriptive. For example, a diagnosis of depression is only a description of the various psychological symptoms – not the cause. Yet depression is often talked about as a disorder that causes low mood and other symptoms.

https://scitechdaily.com/depression-diagnoses-debunked-a-new-study-challenges-old-views/

[Megaro]

That is a fascinating idea.  Any progress in the mental health sciences is a step forward for millions. 

However, the researchers did not "debunk" depression as a disorder or underlying cause of symptoms.  They presented no tests, studies, or anything of the kind to support their opinion.  Their science consisted of surveying a number of "popular" international health websites and concluding that depression is treated as an underlying medical cause.

If depression is not a cause, but rather a symptom that evidences a different underlying medical condition, what are some examples of the true, missed underlying diagnosis.  Give family practitioners and counselors some help on this if you want to end depression as a diagnosis.

The concept is an exciting possibility . . . if it is grounded in medical science.  

[Grim Reaper 6]

36 minutes ago, Megaro said:

That is a fascinating idea.  Any progress in the mental health sciences is a step forward for millions. 

However, the researchers did not "debunk" depression as a disorder or underlying cause of symptoms.  They presented no tests, studies, or anything of the kind to support their opinion.  Their science consisted of surveying a number of "popular" international health websites and concluding that depression is treated as an underlying medical cause.

If depression is not a cause, but rather a symptom that evidences a different underlying medical condition, what are some examples of the true, missed underlying diagnosis.  Give family practitioners and counselors some help on this if you want to end depression as a diagnosis.

The concept is an exciting possibility . . . if it is grounded in medical science.  

I suffer from PTSD and depression is a component of it. I never had any form of depression until the PTSD started rule my life. I have had to take medication for the PTSD to help me sleep through the night, but even medication is only partially effective. So, in my experience depression is an underlying symptom of another illness.

[Megaro]

Excellent point.  That is really true.  Certain other medical conditions such as stroke, dementia, and certain head injuries can be the underlying cause with depression as a resulting symptom.  Certain kinds of medication.  Probably a whole lot of things.

Yet, some life events can result in depression without an underlying medical cause.  Losing a spouse, losing a good job, being in prison.  I think they are globally referred to as situational depression. 

It's all quite complex and worthy of more research.  Depression can be so crippling regardless of the underlying cause. 

[Grim Reaper 6]

4 hours ago, Megaro said:

Excellent point.  That is really true.  Certain other medical conditions such as stroke, dementia, and certain head injuries can be the underlying cause with depression as a resulting symptom.  Certain kinds of medication.  Probably a whole lot of things.

Yet, some life events can result in depression without an underlying medical cause.  Losing a spouse, losing a good job, being in prison.  I think they are globally referred to as situational depression. 

It's all quite complex and worthy of more research.  Depression can be so crippling regardless of the underlying cause. 

That certainly very true, when combined with PTSD it is literally hell on earth, I can say that from experience my friend.