Depression Test
Clinical depression is a common medical illness affecting more than 19 million American adults each year. Depression has many causes and influences people in unique ways. We all have our good days when we feel on top of the world, and our bad days when we feel sad, exceptionally tired or are have trouble sleeping. Fortunately for most of us, our bad days don’t usually last long and we’re able to bounce back relatively quickly. But when symptoms like these last for two weeks or more, it may be a sign of clinical depression.
The best way to make a diagnosis of major depression is to carefully examine how you feel and then discuss your findings with your doctor. There are several questionnaires available to help you and your doctor decide if you have a level of depression that requires treatment. If you’re depressed, it’s important to understand both your symptoms and the severity of your condition, because the effectiveness of your treatment may depend on it.
Why Take A Depression Test?
Clinical depression is a serious medical illness that can greatly alter ones life. If left untreated it can even lead to suicide. Some people with depression mistakenly believe that their symptoms are just part of life. But this is not the case. Clinical depression affects people of all ages, sexes, religions, races, and socioeconomic classes. More than 80% of all cases of clinical depression can be effectively treated with medication, psychotherapy or a combination of both. Yet two-thirds of those who suffer from depression don’t get help. Like screenings for other illnesses, depression screenings should be a routine part of healthcare.
A depression test helps to assess your symptoms and the severity of your depression. It can be good tool in helping you determine whether or not you are clinically depressed. And it may also be useful to your health care professional or counselor in understanding and treating your condition if you are.
What Is A Depression Test?
A depression test is a simple survey that asks you a series of questions about the symptoms and emotions you’re experiencing. There are several types of depression tests available. But basically, the questions will require a simple “yes” or “no” answer. The questions on a depression test are often based on the sort of questions that doctors ask their patients when they think they may have a problem with depression.
How Does A Depression Test Work?
When taking a depression test you have to answer a series of questions to determine the type and severity of your symptoms. Depending on your answers, you’ll then be able to determine the likelihood of your being depressed. If the results lead you to believe that you are indeed depressed, take your test results to your family doctor or counselor and discuss your concerns.
Who Should Take A Depression Test?
If you suspect that you may be suffering from depression, it’s a good idea to go ahead and take a depression test, or talk to your health care provider about your symptoms. You should also consider taking a depression test if you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms: persistent sadness, anxiety, sleep disturbances or over sleeping, appetite changes, loss of interest in life, restlessness, irritability, difficulty concentrating, fatigue, or thoughts of death and suicide.
Where Can I Take A Depression Test?
The National Depression Screening Project, a mental health screening program, sponsors National Depression Screening Day and operates a toll-free, year-round phone line that allows callers to find free and confidential screening locations in their local areas. National Depression Screening Day is held each October during Mental Illness Awareness Week to raise awareness about depression, educate the public about its symptoms and available treatments, and to connect those in need of treatment with a qualified health care professional.
What Questions Will They Ask On A Depression Test?
Here is a list of some common questions you can expect to see on a depression test:
- Do you feel sad, unhappy, hopeless, or otherwise “down in the dumps”?
- Do you feel very tired with little energy?
- Are you unable to concentrate?
- Do you feel moody, uneasy, restless or irritable?
- Do you have trouble falling asleep and/or staying asleep through the night?
- Have your eating patterns drastically changed?
- Are you unable to enjoy life and your daily activities?
- Have you lost interest in sex or are you experiencing sexual difficulties?
- Have you lost interest in things or activities that used to mean a lot to you?
- Do you have difficulty focusing and making decisions?
- Do you feel inadequate, or like a failure?
- Do you feel guilty or put yourself down for no apparent reason?
- Do you feel hopeless, or like things always go wrong for you no matter what you do or how hard you try?
- Do you feel empty inside, like you are not really alive?
- Do you feel confined or imprisoned?
- Have you entertained thoughts of suicide?