Wednesday, June 16, 2004
Wondering If You Are Suffering From Depression?
Though this test should never be used to diagnose or substitute for treatment, it may help you formulate your feelings in a new way and help you determine whether you may need or want to seek help...
1. Have you been in a depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day for at least two weeks?
Yes No
2. Have you lost interest or pleasure in most daily activities, nearly every day for at least two weeks?
Yes No
3. Have you experienced a significant weight change (at least five pounds) either loss or gain recently?
Yes No
4. Has your appetite changed (increased or decreased) for an extended period?
Yes No
5. Have you suffered from insomnia or hypersomnia, nearly every day for at least two weeks?
Yes No
6. Have you felt tired or experienced a loss of energy during the day, nearly every day for at least two weeks?
Yes No
7. Have you had guilty feelings or feelings of worthlessness nearly every day for at least two weeks?
Yes No
8. Have you had difficulty thinking, concentrating, or making decisions nearly every day?
Yes No
9. Have you had any thoughts of death or any thoughts of suicide without any specific plan?
Yes No
10. Did the depressed mood begin after someone close to you died or within four weeks of giving birth?
Yes No
a) Did you circle yes for either question 1 or 2? _____
b) Did you circle yes four or more times in questions 3-9? _____
c) Did you respond yes to question 10? _____
If you responded yes to both (a) and (b), you may be suffering from an episode of major depression.
***If you responded yes to question (c) and your symptoms are disabling and have lasted for more than two months, you should seek professional treatment. If you responded yes to question 9, seek professional help as soon as possible.
1. Have you been in a depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day for at least two weeks?
Yes No
2. Have you lost interest or pleasure in most daily activities, nearly every day for at least two weeks?
Yes No
3. Have you experienced a significant weight change (at least five pounds) either loss or gain recently?
Yes No
4. Has your appetite changed (increased or decreased) for an extended period?
Yes No
5. Have you suffered from insomnia or hypersomnia, nearly every day for at least two weeks?
Yes No
6. Have you felt tired or experienced a loss of energy during the day, nearly every day for at least two weeks?
Yes No
7. Have you had guilty feelings or feelings of worthlessness nearly every day for at least two weeks?
Yes No
8. Have you had difficulty thinking, concentrating, or making decisions nearly every day?
Yes No
9. Have you had any thoughts of death or any thoughts of suicide without any specific plan?
Yes No
10. Did the depressed mood begin after someone close to you died or within four weeks of giving birth?
Yes No
a) Did you circle yes for either question 1 or 2? _____
b) Did you circle yes four or more times in questions 3-9? _____
c) Did you respond yes to question 10? _____
If you responded yes to both (a) and (b), you may be suffering from an episode of major depression.
***If you responded yes to question (c) and your symptoms are disabling and have lasted for more than two months, you should seek professional treatment. If you responded yes to question 9, seek professional help as soon as possible.
