Don't settle for a quick diagnosis

There are more than 50 causes of panic, more than 100 causes of depression and 284 causes of anxiety listed on the Wrong Diagnosis web site. These numbers don't even include potential medication side effects and drug interactions that may be causing one of these conditions. This is exactly why you need a full assessment by a qualified psychiatrist, psychotherapist or psychologist who's experienced with mental health diagnosis.

Here's an example of just one possible alternative explanation for depression, panic or agitation. These researchers suspect that Bartonella, an infection contracted through flea and tick bites, may be causing some people these problems. Bartonella is known to cause neurological and physical health issues in humans.

Although the very small study referenced in the article is hardly enough to call it evidence, the logic of the researchers' suspicions about Bartonella and the study are still intriguing. (You'll need to sign up if you aren't already registered with Medscape, but it's easy to do and free.) Read what people are saying about Bartonella, their symptoms and treatments on this Healing Well web page too.

A good assessment of depression, anxiety or panic is based on your answers to questions about any medications you're taking, your and your family's medical and mental health history, your alcohol and substance use information and much more before diagnosis. A full work-up usually takes an hour to three hours, and may include more time for lab tests.

Insist on a thorough assessment. Although it can be costly if your health insurance doesn't cover most of it, a competent assessment could save you thousands of dollars and months to years of suffering.