Laly, I'm not an expert in evaluating research validity, but from my training and experience in graduate school (I was the Teaching Assistant for the head of the Research Training Department), re: research validity, this study looks quite solid.

I'm sure that as time goes on, other researchers will comment upon - and conduct additional studies to further test - and likely expand - its findings.

A very good resource - available at most college libraries - and online - although you may need to register, pay for access even - is the Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI).

That site does have some freely accessible resources, and the study you cited above will likely have a list of citations and references appended to its own report of findings.

SSCI is an excellent resource in tracking down research in the social sciences.

Another superb online resource is Medscape and you can get access to much of its content by a free registration.

If you want a formal determination, you should be evaluated by an MD psychiatrist. Your counselor is likely to know of one or more, and yes there are female psychiatrists, so that might help you feel more comfortable.

There are both pharmaceutical and adjunct resources for treating both.

What is hopeful re: depression is the considerable progress you have reported over the past several years, including notable improvements in physiological and social function (all hard-won, admittedly!), especially since you started seeing your counselor.

Your journey of self-discovery and recovery continues, Courageous Woman!

Wishing you the very best, as always,
Jack