Depression Test

Understanding Depression

Although it’s only natural to feel “blue” sometimes, depression is a serious mental illness. It’s not a condition you can cure by watching a funny movie or willing yourself to get better. If you are suffering from clinical depression, you need medical treatment. Ignoring the problem will only make it worse.

According to the National Mental Health Association, one in four women and one in ten men will suffer from depression at some point in their lives. Untreated depression can complicate other medical conditions. In serious cases, it can even lead to suicide.

Experts can’t be certain what causes depression, but most mental health professionals believe the condition is the result of biological, psychological, and environmental factors. Depression can occur in people of all ages, races, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

While depression is one of the most common mental health disorders, more than 80% of people with depression can be helped by antidepressant medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of these treatment options.

How does a Depression Test Work?

There are many different depression tests available, but most work by attempting to evaluate how many of the common depression symptoms you are experiencing. For example, many tests ask the following questions:

• Is it difficult for you to concentrate at work?
• Do you not enjoy your hobbies as much as you once did?
• Do you often feel guilty, anxious, and inadequate?
• Are you having trouble sleeping?
• Has your appetite recently changed? Do find yourself eating a great deal more or less than normal?
• Have you lost interest in sexual relations with your spouse or significant other?

For a detailed self-assessment, consider completing one of the following depression tests:

• Depression assessment from the Mayo Clinic.
• Depression screening from The National Mental Health Association
• The Wakefield Self-Report Questionnaire on Depression

Most depression tests will recommend you see a doctor if you are experiencing three or more symptoms of depression. A depression test is not intended to provide an official diagnosis or act as a substitute for proper medical treatment.

Getting Treatment for Your Depression

Generally, the first step in depression treatment is to make an appointment to speak with your primary care physician. Since he/she is most familiar with your medical history, this visit can rule out any drug interactions or preexisting health conditions that may be causing your symptoms. If your primary care physician determines that you may be suffering from depression, he/she will probably refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist for further evaluation.

Many people use the terms interchangeably, but a psychiatrist is not the same as a psychologist. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in treatment and diagnosis of mental illness. He/she can provide psychotherapy and prescribe antidepressant medication if necessary. A psychologist has a doctoral degree in psychology. He/she has advanced training in psychological testing, counseling, and psychotherapy. However, a psychologist can’t prescribe medication.

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