A real depression evaluation has to look at the whole person, not just tick a symptom list, because depression reaches into mood, energy, thinking, and daily life all at once. Core Spring's Appleton evaluations do exactly that, for children, teens, and adults. No referral needed to get started.
We build a real understanding of how depression is showing up, the low mood, irritability, fatigue, hopelessness, lost motivation, and the changes in concentration, sleep, and appetite, and at how it affects daily life and relationships. A foundational baseline anchors it all. The process begins with a clinical interview for background, followed by individualized testing and questionnaires shared with those who know you best. Because depression often overlaps with other concerns, it frequently fits within a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation.
A child might grow irritable, withdrawn, or tearful, lose energy, or change in sleep, appetite, or how they do at school.
A teen might carry a lasting sadness, lose motivation, struggle to concentrate, and withdraw from friends as the mood takes hold.
An adult might face steady low mood, fatigue, loss of interest, and burnout that makes daily responsibilities and relationships harder.
Your evaluation begins with a one-hour clinical interview where your psychologist gathers a thorough history, from early experiences through your current mood, energy, and daily functioning. This conversation helps distinguish depression from other conditions that can present similarly and determines which assessments will provide the most accurate diagnosis.
Your psychologist selects a personalized battery of mood and psychological assessments. Testing involves 2 to 6 hours of in-person evaluation over one to two days. You will also be sent home with self-report questionnaires, and someone close to you can complete their own questionnaire if they choose. If your psychologist identifies signs of other conditions (such as anxiety, ADHD, or bipolar disorder), those areas are screened for as well.
All testing data, clinical observations, and questionnaire results are compiled into a detailed diagnostic report. Differential diagnosis is a key component: your psychologist carefully evaluates whether symptoms are best explained by depression, another condition, or a combination. Any co-occurring conditions are fully documented.
Approximately two to three weeks after testing, you return for a feedback session. Your psychologist walks through the diagnosis and provides individualized recommendations: evidence-based therapy options, lifestyle strategies, medication guidance if applicable, and next steps tailored to your specific needs.
Comorbidity screening for ADHD is built into every depression evaluation at Core Spring Diagnostics. ADHD and depression frequently co-occur, and ADHD in particular is often diagnosed as depression when attention and executive function difficulties are the primary presenting complaint. The cognitive baseline and comorbidity screening used in every evaluation make it possible to identify ADHD alongside depression when both are present.
Yes. When antidepressants have not been effective, the evaluation is often the right next step. Medication non-response can occur when the diagnosis is incomplete, when a co-occurring condition is driving symptoms, or when the type of depression is better addressed through therapy or a different medication class. The evaluation at Core Spring Diagnostics provides the clinical data that can help a prescriber reconsider or refine the treatment approach.
High-functioning depression, where someone appears to manage daily responsibilities while experiencing significant internal distress, is a recognized presentation. The clinical interview at Core Spring Diagnostics is structured to explore internal symptom experience rather than relying solely on observable behavior. Cognitive testing also captures processing inefficiencies and effort-related difficulties that may not be visible in everyday performance.
Sleep and depression are closely intertwined, and the clinical interview at Core Spring Diagnostics specifically explores sleep patterns, including insomnia, hypersomnia, and disrupted sleep architecture. When sleep disturbance is a prominent feature, the recommendations may include sleep-specific interventions alongside depression treatment. If a sleep disorder such as sleep apnea appears to be a contributing factor, the report will note the need for a medical sleep evaluation.
Yes. Many individuals seeking evaluation at Core Spring Diagnostics have been managing without a formal diagnosis for years, sometimes decades. The evaluation is equally appropriate whether you are seeking a first-time diagnosis or a clearer picture after years of inconclusive answers. The process starts fresh from the clinical interview and builds a complete picture based on the evaluation findings.
Yes. Core Spring Diagnostics serves individuals from Appleton and across northeastern Wisconsin who are seeking a thorough, evidence-based evaluation for depression. One psychologist manages every step of the process, ensuring consistency and clinical depth throughout.
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