Many medical conditions share similar symptoms with depression, which can lead to an incorrect diagnosis.
Depression involves a persistently low mood, loss of interest in hobbies, fatigue, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, trouble concentrating, sleep problems, and suicidal thoughts.
Here are some conditions that people
- Anemia: A person with anemia does not have enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen to their organs. This
results in fatigue and weakness, which are also symptoms of depression. - Bipolar disorder: Those with this mental health condition alternate between periods of depression and mania. During depressive periods, a person with bipolar disorder may feel sad and hopeless and lose interest in activities.
- Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS): CFS is a serious, chronic illness that causes extreme fatigue, which can overlap with symptoms of depression. It
may also lead to problems with memory, concentration, and sleep. - Diabetes: This disease occurs when a person’s blood glucose, or blood sugar, is too high. Weakness, fatigue, and weight loss are symptoms of both diabetes and depression.
- Hypothyroidism: Also known as an underactive thyroid, hypothyroidism can affect a person’s emotions. As with depression, a person may experience fatigue, insomnia, and brain fog.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): Following an extremely stressful or frightening event, a person may experience PTSD. Irritability, sleeping problems, angry outbursts, and difficulty concentrating are symptoms that
people may mistake for depression. - Premenstrual dysphoric disorder: This condition has links to a person’s menstrual cycle and causes severe irritability, depression, or anxiety in the weeks before their period.
- Vitamin D deficiency: Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency, such as weakness, pain, fatigue, and mood changes, may sometimes lead to a misdiagnosis of depression.
A person who thinks they may have a misdiagnosis of depression needs to consult a healthcare professional.