living for dying has given a pretty gd summary. Im a prospective med student so av read a bit in2 this area. What u refer 2 as "chronic" depression is actually ( Ppl can correct me if Im wrong) I think actually referred 2 medically as clincal depression. Clinical depression is very different from random every day mood swings- its the kind of thing you're likely 2 kno something is up ie kno if you're unwell enough 2 have it. There is also a mild depression whos name I have forgotten and that is the one that tends 2 drag out 4 long periods of time, altho clincal can 2. Clinical depression can be chronic or acute. Acute illnesses tend 2 be very bad for a period and then go away completely or improve dramatically. Chronic illnesses last 4 long periods of time and may not be cured.
DSM IV is the current diagnostic system for depression. There is also ICD 10 but this has largely fallen out of use. To be diagnosed, you usually have to meet x of the criteria and have been suffering them for a period of time. My diagnosis of clinical depression came after been asked about sleep, eating, self harm, thoughts ie suicidal, worthlessness, concentration, general ability 2 cope with everyday life. I think the time period for symptoms is usually 1-3 months for diagnosis but dont quote me. Again it is usually dependent on the doctor.
Particularly if you are under 18, a GP or equivalent will not make a diagnosis or give you any formal medication without referral 2 a psychiatrist, although it does depend a bit of the doctor- theoretically they are not supposed 2. One assessment method u might meet is the use of a questionnarie which has a special name that I cant remember 2 assess your mood. I did 1 4 my GP and it was things like " how able are you to concentrate on a TV program" then you had to select one of " very able, sometimes able, sometimes unable, not at all able". Thats a pretty basic example and I was already diagnosed depressed at the time but it allows them 2c how youre doing.
If you're unsure, the best thing u can do is get checked out, even 2 put ur mind @ rest. The fact that ur anxious with how u r feeling 2 me would set the alarm bells ringing and I am sure the doctor would much rather c u now, than say 5 months down the line when u could b a lot worse. I was very worried abou the response Id get first time I went 2 GP but since then Ive seen numerous doctors both mental health specialists and otherwise and they have been very supportive. Also as lying says, try and work out wots making u feel that way cos @ the end of the day, its working through that which is gunu change ur mood rather than anything else.
Hope this helps
Best of luck
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