What Is Depression?
5. Physical Examination
A physical examination in a patient with suspected MDD should be performed to rule out organic conditions that may imitate depression. Most organic conditions that may imitate depression are infection, side effects of medication, tumor, endocrine disorder, and neurologic disorder.
In patients with severe MDD, there may be a decline in grooming, hygiene, and weight. This means that the patient may appear unkempt, withdrawn, disheveled, and gaunt. Family members may report a loss of reactivity, spontaneous movement, and a lack of emotional expression. The patient’s speech may become slow and lacking in content. Disorganized speech prompts evaluation for psychosis while pressured speech suggest mania or anxiety.
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