DEPRESSION TEST

THE FOLLOWING IS A BRIEF SELF-TEST TO DETERMINE WHETHER YOU MAY BE AT RISK FOR DEVELOPING DEPRESSION:

You can print this test and answer the questions to find out. Answer Yes or No for each question.

1. Have you been in a depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day for at least two weeks?

2. Have you lost interest or pleasure in most daily activities, nearly every day for at least two weeks?

3. Have you experienced a significant weight change (at least five pounds) either loss or gain recently?

4. Has your appetite changed (increased or decreased) for an extended period?

5. Have you suffered from insomnia or hypersomnia, nearly every day for at least two weeks?

6. Have you felt tired or experienced a loss of energy during the day, nearly every day for at least two weeks?

7. Have you had guilty feelings or feelings of worthlessness nearly every day for at least two weeks?

8. Have you had difficulty thinking, concentrating, or making decisions nearly every day?

9. Have you had any thoughts of death or any thoughts of suicide without any specific plan?

10. Did the depressed mood begin after someone close to you died or within four weeks of giving birth?

a) Did you respond yes for either question 1 or 2? _____
b) Did you respond 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.