Depression in adults with a chronic physical health problem: recognition and management

Assessment

The assessment will enable your healthcare professional to identify whether you have depression. If you do, they will assess what level of depression you have (see box in Mild, moderate severe depression) and how your physical health problem has affected you. They will also discuss with you which treatments for depression would suit you best. They may ask you about:

You may be asked to answer a written questionnaire.

When assessing you, healthcare professionals should take account of any learning disabilities or other problems that may affect your ability to respond to questions.

Some people find it difficult to discuss their depression, so your confidentiality, privacy and dignity should be respected at all times.

Healthcare professionals should be aware of any sensitive issues relating to being diagnosed with depression, and should build a relationship with you based on openness, trust, hope and optimism. They should explain the different ways in which depression develops. They should also discuss the treatments described in this information with you and explain that these can help people to recover from depression. You should be told about self-help groups and support groups for people with depression.

Support for people who might harm themselves

You (and your family or carer if you agree) should be advised to look out for negative thoughts, changes in behaviour (such as avoiding social activities and contact with other people, or not looking after yourself properly), hopelessness, changes in mood and thoughts about suicide. This is particularly important during stressful periods or when you have just started a new treatment for depression. You should contact your GP or another healthcare professional if any of these occur and you are worried.

You should also be asked whether you have had thoughts about suicide or harming yourself. If you have, your healthcare professional should make sure you have support and give you information about where you can get further help. You should call your GP or another professional if you are not able to cope and your thoughts about suicide become more intense. They will offer you more help, and talk with you and/or see you more frequently. If there is a strong risk that you might harm yourself (or others), you may be referred to a specialist mental health service.