What to Expect During a Depression Screening in Primary Care

What to Expect During a Depression Screening in Primary Care
Published:  February 3, 2025

Depression can cause a range of symptoms that affect your thoughts, feelings, behavior, and sense of well-being. But, too often, people don’t realize they’re depressed or aren’t sure where to turn for treatment. Even though there are more than 40 million people diagnosed with depression in the United States, many people have concerns about being treated differently by their friends, coworkers, and family members once they’re diagnosed. In this article, we’ll discuss how your primary care physician can help diagnose your depression. 

What is the Role of the Primary Care Physician in Depression Screening?

Historically, people with depression often sought care from mental health specialists, such as psychiatrists. Today, however, there is greater awareness of depression, and many individuals are now discussing their symptoms with primary care physicians. Because primary care doctors easily accessible and are familiar with your health history, lifestyle, and current medications, they are often the ideal first point of contact for diagnosing and managing mental health conditions like depression.

How to Prepare for a Depression Screening

Taking a few steps before your appointment can make the process smoother:

  • Write Down Depression Symptoms: Note any changes in mood, sleep, appetite, or energy levels you’ve experienced.
  • List Current Depression Medications: Include all prescription and over-the-counter drugs, as well as supplements.
  • Reflect on Stressors: Think about any recent life changes, work challenges, or personal stressors that might be affecting your mental health.

This preparation ensures your doctor gets a full picture of your situation.

What Happens During a Depression Screening

A depression screening is a straightforward process, typically lasting about 15-30 minutes. Doctors consider a patient’s medical history, lifestyle factors, and any known stressors or recent life changes that could contribute to depression symptoms. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Questions About Your Symptoms

Your doctor will ask about your emotional and physical health, including:

  • Have you been feeling down or hopeless?
  • Are you experiencing changes in sleep or appetite?
  • Do you have trouble concentrating or finding joy in daily activities?

2. Screening Tools

You may be asked to complete a brief questionnaire, such as the PHQ-9 or GAD-7. These tools help assess the severity of your symptoms.

3. Physical Exam or Lab Tests

In some cases, your provider may check for underlying health conditions (e.g., thyroid issues) that could contribute to your symptoms.

What Are Depression Symptoms?

Depression is more than just feeling a little sad occasionally. When you are depressed, you feel down for days, weeks, or months at a time, and you have no motivation to do the things you usually do. Depression symptoms and their severity can vary from person to person. 

Most people associate depression with mental health symptoms, including:

  • Feelings of sadness, tearfulness, emptiness, or hopelessness
  • Angry outbursts, irritability, or frustration
  • Loss of interest or pleasure in activities
  • Anxiety, agitation, or restlessness
  • Trouble thinking, concentrating, making decisions, and remembering things 

However, depression can manifest itself in physical ways as well, including:

  • Chronic aches and pains like joint pain, limb pain, back pain, or headaches 
  • Changes in appetite from decreased appetite and weight loss to increased cravings and weight gain 
  • Digestive issues, including constipation or gastrointestinal problems 
  • Feeling tired all the time, even when performing small tasks 
  • Difficulty sleeping, including Insomnia, waking up early in the morning, or oversleeping 
  • Moving or speaking more slowly than usual 
  • Loss of libido or inability to enjoy sex 

It’s important to seek care if you consistently experience any of the above symptoms for two weeks or more.

Why It’s Important to Talk with Your Primary Care Doctor About Depression

Getting screened for depression by your primary care doctor is an important first step in managing your mental health. They can help with early detection by recognizing symptoms during routine checkups and performing medical evaluations to rule out physical conditions that may be contributing to your symptoms, such as:

  • Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid can cause fatigue, weight gain, and mood changes, often leading to depression.
  • Diabetes: The stress of managing blood sugar levels and the physical effects of the disease can increase the risk of depression.
  • Chronic Pain Disorders: Conditions like fibromyalgia or arthritis can lead to persistent pain and emotional strain, contributing to depression.
  • Heart Disease: Cardiovascular conditions, particularly after a heart attack, are closely linked to an increased risk of depression.
  • Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Low levels of this vitamin can cause fatigue, mood swings, and depression due to its role in brain function.

Based on the severity of your depression, your doctor can also provide treatment options, which may include recommended medications, referring you to a mental health specialist, or suggesting lifestyle changes—all while considering your overall health and any other existing conditions or medications. And, because many patients have a long-standing relationship with their primary care physician, they find it easier to discuss mental health concerns.

Behavioral Health & Depression Treatment at AllCare

Once we confirm a diagnosis, your treatment will depend on the severity of your depression symptoms. In some cases, it may be as simple as making lifestyle changes to help you manage stress and anxiety. In other cases, we may recommend medications like SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) that boost serotonin. It’s essential to have follow-up appointments with your physician to discuss how lifestyle changes and medications are working and if you are experiencing any side effects or new symptoms.

In addition to medications, AllCare also offers behavioral health services to help you manage your depression, including talk therapy, which encourages you to identify and change negative thought patterns, and ongoing medication management, which carefully monitors your medication so we can make any necessary adjustments. If you have more complex symptoms or need emergency care, we can connect you with experienced mental health specialists to ensure you receive the right level of care at every step.

Don’t let depression disrupt your quality of life. Schedule an appointment at AllCare today for a prompt and professional diagnosis.