Misdiagnosis of Depression

Depression is a disorder that poses a number of diagnostic challenges. There are a variety of types of depression ranging from Major Depressive Disorder to various less severe types of Depressive Disorders. Bipolar Disorder (Manic-Depressive Syndrome) is a problematic diagnosis that is sometimes misdiagnosed as Unipolar Depression. Other mental health disorders such as Anxiety Disorders, Personality Disorders, Emotional Disorders, Phobias, Schizophrenia, are also on the differential diagnosis list, depending on the presenting symptoms. Physical disorders can also produce symptoms similar to those of psychological depression, such as thyroid disorders and other endocrine disorders. Substance-related diagnoses also need to be considered, such as substance abuse, substance withdrawal, and drug side-effects or interactions.
