The numbers are larger than most people expect
In published research, up to a third of people presenting with depressive symptoms have an underlying medical condition contributing to the picture. Sleep apnea alone affects roughly a third of people with major depression and is routinely missed, because its daytime symptoms — fatigue, poor concentration, irritability — look psychiatric.
Your medicine cabinet is part of the evaluation
More than 200 common prescription medications list depression as a possible side effect, and the likelihood of depressive symptoms rises with each one taken. Blood-pressure medications, steroids, hormonal agents, acid reducers, and others belong in the conversation — which is why Foundry asks for every medication and supplement, with doses.
What gets checked, and why history leads
Consensus guidelines support baseline labs for new presentations — thyroid function, blood counts, metabolic panel, B12 and folate — but research is clear that the careful history and medication review finds more than routine lab panels do. The long first conversation is the diagnostic instrument; labs confirm what it raises.
Safety and scope
This guide is general education, not medical advice. It does not create a treatment relationship, diagnose a condition, promise medication, or replace crisis care. For immediate danger use 911, 988, or the nearest emergency department.
Related service
Comprehensive psychiatric evaluation
A comprehensive psychiatric evaluation is the starting point for care at Foundry, reviewing current concerns, psychiatric history, medical history, medications, prior treatment response, sleep, substance use, family history, relationships, functioning, safety, and goals.