30th April 2024

A 45-year-old woman presents to her primary care physician with a 6-month history of feeling persistently sad, fatigued, and hopeless.

A 45-year-old woman presents to her primary care physician with a 6-month history of feeling persistently sad, fatigued, and hopeless. She reports a significant decrease in her appetite, leading to unintentional weight loss. She finds little pleasure in activities she previously enjoyed and has difficulty concentrating at work. Her sleep pattern is disturbed with early morning awakenings. She denies any substance abuse or significant medical history but has been experiencing increased stress at work.

Investigations:

Mental Status Examination: Depressed affect, tearful, expresses feelings of worthlessness

General Physical Examination: Normal, except for noticeable weight loss

Which test is most likely to assist in confirming the diagnosis of depression?