--- title: "How Does a Psychiatrist Diagnose Depression?" url: https://drvohras.com/guides/how-does-a-psychiatrist-diagnose-depression language: en-IN author: "Dr Vohra's" updated: 2026-10-21 license: "Page text: CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)." --- # How Does a Psychiatrist Diagnose Depression? This is the markdown version of https://drvohras.com/guides/how-does-a-psychiatrist-diagnose-depression, a page of Dr Vohra's, a psychiatry and psychology clinic in New Delhi. It is information, not medical advice; the clinic's contact details are at the end. A psychiatrist diagnoses depression through a structured clinical interview, not a scan or a blood test: at least two weeks of low mood or loss of interest, plus changes in sleep, appetite, energy, concentration, self-worth and thoughts of death, judged against ICD-11 criteria and rated for severity. Blood tests are used to exclude medical causes that mimic depression (thyroid, anaemia, vitamin D and B12 deficiency), and questionnaires such as the PHQ-9 track severity over time. Dr Vohra's ยท Updated 21 October 2026 ## The interview Expect 30 to 45 minutes of questions: what brought you, how long it has been going on, your mood through the day, sleep, appetite, energy, concentration, interest and pleasure, guilt and self-worth, thoughts of self-harm, past episodes, family history, medical conditions and medicines, alcohol and substances, major stresses, and how you are functioning at work and home. The psychiatrist also observes: speech, movement, expression. A key question is whether there have ever been periods of unusually high energy or little need for sleep, because depression in bipolar disorder is treated differently. ## Severity and type Mild, moderate or severe depression is judged by the number and intensity of symptoms and the effect on function. The psychiatrist also notes features that change treatment: psychotic symptoms, marked anxiety, seasonal pattern, postpartum onset, or a long-standing milder form (dysthymia). ## Tests Blood tests: thyroid function, haemoglobin, vitamin B12 and D, blood sugar, and sometimes others, to exclude physical causes. Rating scales: PHQ-9 or similar, repeated at follow-ups to measure change. No brain scan is needed unless the history suggests a neurological cause. ## After the diagnosis The psychiatrist explains what was found and proposes a plan matched to severity: therapy alone for mild to moderate depression, medication with therapy for moderate to severe, and a follow-up in two to four weeks. You should leave knowing the diagnosis, the plan, what to expect in the first weeks, and whom to call if things worsen. ## Frequently asked questions - **Can an online depression test diagnose me?**: No. Online tests such as the PHQ-9 screen for symptoms and are useful to decide whether to seek help, but diagnosis needs a clinical interview. - **Can depression be diagnosed online by a psychiatrist?**: Yes. A video consultation allows the full interview. Blood tests are done locally. - **How do I book at Dr Vohra's?**: Call or WhatsApp +91 99992 49223, email help@drvohras.com, or use the contact form. In person at 29/24, East Patel Nagar, New Delhi 110008, or online across India. - **What if this is an emergency?**: Call Tele-MANAS 14416 or KIRAN 1800-599-0019 (24x7, free) or 112. Dr Vohra's is not an emergency service. ## Book a consultation Call [+91 99992 49223](tel:+919999249223), email [help@drvohras.com](mailto:help@drvohras.com), or visit us at 29/24, East Patel Nagar, New Delhi 110008. Online consultations are available across India in English and Hindi. [Explore Clinical Care](https://drvohras.com/clinical)[Take the Stressometer](https://drvohras.com/screening) ## Sources - [ICD-11 for Mortality and Morbidity Statistics, WHO](https://icd.who.int/browse/2025-01/mms/en) If you are in crisis or having thoughts of self-harm, call Tele-MANAS [14416](tel:14416), KIRAN [1800-599-0019](tel:18005990019) or Emergency services [112](tel:112). Tele-MANAS and KIRAN are 24x7 and free anywhere in India. Dr Vohra's is not a crisis or emergency service.