"Uncovering 9 Health Conditions That Masquerade as Depression"

Many conditions can mimic depression, leading to misdiagnosis in 26 to 45 percent of cases. There is no definitive test for depression, making it crucial for health care providers to rule out other conditions. Common conditions that can mimic or cause depression include thyroid disorders, diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, cancer, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, anemia, and medication side effects. It's important to consider these possibilities, especially in older adults, as a misdiagnosis could delay treatment for serious conditions like cancer or dementia.