Many medical conditions share similar symptoms with depression, which can lead to an incorrect diagnosis.

Depression involves a persistently low mood, loss of interest in hobbies, fatigue, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, trouble concentrating, sleep problems, and suicidal thoughts.

Here are some conditions that people may mistakeTrusted Source for depression:

  • Anemia: A person with anemia does not have enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen to their organs. This results inTrusted Source fatigue and weakness, which are also symptoms of depression.
  • Bipolar disorder: Those with this mental health condition alternate between periods of depression and mania. During depressive periods, a person with bipolar disorder may feel sad and hopeless and lose interest in activities.
  • Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS): CFS is a serious, chronic illness that causes extreme fatigue, which can overlap with symptoms of depression. It may alsoTrusted Source lead to problems with memory, concentration, and sleep.
  • Diabetes: This disease occurs when a person’s blood glucose, or blood sugar, is too high. Weakness, fatigue, and weight loss are symptoms of both diabetes and depression.
  • Hypothyroidism: Also known as an underactive thyroid, hypothyroidism can affect a person’s emotions. As with depression, a person may experience fatigue, insomnia, and brain fog.
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): Following an extremely stressful or frightening event, a person may experience PTSD. Irritability, sleeping problems, angry outbursts, and difficulty concentrating are symptoms that peopleTrusted Source may mistake for depression.
  • Premenstrual dysphoric disorder: This condition has links to a person’s menstrual cycle and causes severe irritability, depression, or anxiety in the weeks before their period.
  • Vitamin D deficiency: Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency, such as weakness, pain, fatigue, and mood changes, may sometimes lead to a misdiagnosis of depression.

A person who thinks they may have a misdiagnosis of depression needs to consult a healthcare professional.