What does it take to get actually diagnosed with depression from GP?

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  1. Anonymous's Avatar
    What does it take to get actually diagnosed with depression from GP?
    I'm wondering because I went to the GP the other day, finally, after about 2 years of suicidal thoughts and generally hating life. She referred me to a counsellor, that was all.

    What does it take to be actually diagnosed? I don't necessarily want to be diagnosed, because the label doesn't appeal to me. However, I'm under the impression you need a diagnosis to get any medical excuses at university? I am really struggling at uni with my mental state at the moment and could do with a extension of essay deadline if anything else.
  2. NewFolder's Avatar
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    Re: What does it take to get actually diagnosed with depression from GP?
    If you were referred to a counsellor, that probably means you meet the criteria for depression. Unless the doctor actually said that you aren't depressed..
  3. bullettheory's Avatar
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    Re: What does it take to get actually diagnosed with depression from GP?
    You don't always need a diagnosis to get extensions etc. Say you are struggling emotionally and get a GP letter to back it up. I've had loads of extension granted by my uni after letters from my psychiatrist and GP and I don't have a diagnosis.
  4. Joinedup's Avatar
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    Re: What does it take to get actually diagnosed with depression from GP?
    The counselling service here can authorise extensions...
  5. Anonymous's Avatar
    Re: What does it take to get actually diagnosed with depression from GP?
    (Original post by bullettheory)
    You don't always need a diagnosis to get extensions etc. Say you are struggling emotionally and get a GP letter to back it up. I've had loads of extension granted by my uni after letters from my psychiatrist and GP and I don't have a diagnosis.
    How long of an extension do they usually give you?

    I have three essays coming up, one due next week, then the week after, and the week after. I was hoping maybe they could just add a week on my deadlines.

    Thanks for the reply btw.
  6. Antiaris's Avatar
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    Re: What does it take to get actually diagnosed with depression from GP?
    When I had the 'test' it was simply filling out a questionnaire form. According to the GP I was 'moderately depressed'.

    Honestly GP's don't even tell you if you've been diagnosed with something. I've only found out I've been diagnosed with a couple of things before due to receiving doctors notes at a later date. They gave me one diagnosis verbally but not the others.
  7. Ra Ra Ra's Avatar
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    Re: What does it take to get actually diagnosed with depression from GP?
    When I went to the GP with depression symptoms they told me it was a blip that all teenagers went through, and that I'd get over it in time. Seriously, three GPs told me this. But yes, usually they refer you to a counsellor, which can take any number of weeks/months. I'm not sure if a GP can diagnose you with depression or if you have to have a counsellor to confirm it, though :dontknow:
  8. Joinedup's Avatar
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    Re: What does it take to get actually diagnosed with depression from GP?
    (Original post by Anonymous)
    How long of an extension do they usually give you?

    I have three essays coming up, one due next week, then the week after, and the week after. I was hoping maybe they could just add a week on my deadlines.

    Thanks for the reply btw.
    dependant on individual uni policy I guess... we can get upto 1 week extension without a dr's note.

    it's not an unreasonable amount of time to ask for imo.
  9. bullettheory's Avatar
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    Re: What does it take to get actually diagnosed with depression from GP?
    (Original post by Anonymous)
    How long of an extension do they usually give you?

    I have three essays coming up, one due next week, then the week after, and the week after. I was hoping maybe they could just add a week on my deadlines.

    Thanks for the reply btw.
    Depends on the tutor, usually I have had a week, although I had another for 3 weeks. Just ask, and they will probably ask you how long you need.
  10. anon2010's Avatar
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    Re: What does it take to get actually diagnosed with depression from GP?
    You don't need a diagnosis of anything to get time off Uni and extensions. The letter your GP write to the Uni can just say "x is suffering illl health at the moment".

    Also some GPs like watch you for a few months before giving you a diagnosis just to make sure you get the right one.
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