Depression is one of the most treatable mental illnesses.
Along with the great strides made in understanding the causes of depression, scientists are closer to understanding how treatment of the illness works. Therefore, a complete medical evaluation is essential. For example, some common illnesses and some commonly used medications can bring on depression. A medical evaluation will reveal the presence of these conditions or medicines. A psychiatric history and a mental status examination will be performed to provide the patient's emotional background and uncover changes in the patient's mood, thoughts, patterns of speech, and memory.