Caring for older family members with depression.

How is it diagnosed? If you have an older family member who may have depression, it is important for him or her to see a doctor. The doctor will ask about symptoms of depression. The doctor also may ask the patient to fill out a survey. The score on the survey can show whether your family member has depression. Are there other conditions that can look like depression? Other conditions, such as an underactive thyroid or anemia, can have similar symptoms to depression. Medicines taken for other illnesses may cause side effects, such as sad feelings. Drug or alcohol abuse may cause a sad, uninterested appearance. The death of a loved one normally causes feelings of depression, but these should be temporary.