Some parents are worrywarts, especially if they have had experience in some way or another with depression. They are quick to jump on the depression bandwagon without considering the possibility of a physical problem. A good diagnostician will ask you the date of your child's last physical exam. Given how long ago it was, she might request that you get an updated one.

Take Your File with You

Take the information you have been gathering through your calendar, checklists, teachers, and loved ones with you to the doctor. He may or may not want to look at it, but as you begin to describe what is happening with your child, he may have questions. Having that material with you might be helpful to offer him proof that you aren't being an overly worried, reactive parent.

Getting Collateral Data

Remember the partial list of illnesses that can mimic depression listed in Chapter 2? If a physician is concerned that a physical problem is causing emotional symptoms, he will want to get an updated history on your child since she was last seen and will do a thorough examination. This may require getting blood work and other routine lab tests. The proper treatment of an undiagnosed illness might also alleviate the emotional symptoms your child was experiencing.

For teenagers, if you suspect she is using alcohol or drugs, or that she might be sexually active, tell your doctor. He can test your child for the use of substances and can check for sexually transmitted diseases. This is the time to leave no stone unturned! This sounds like a lot of work for a parent to do before making a judgment about whether a child is depressed. It is! But the effort has its rewards. The more you know, the more prepared you will be to communicate your concerns to the right professional. In addition, the more you know, the more prepared you will be to do the very best for your child's specific needs.