Depression can have devastating effects on all aspects of one’s life if left untreated. Brief screenings are the quickest way to determine if you should connect with a mental health professional. This depression quiz, created by licensed psychologist Dr. Stacey Levy, is based on the DSM-V diagnostic criteria for a Major Depressive Episode, and is completely anonymous & confidential. Following the quiz, you will see your results & recommendations.
Please note: use of this quiz is subject to our disclaimer.
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We are glad you took a first step by taking this screening. Please remember that these results are not a diagnosis. These results are common and help is available.
Severe depression isn't something to brush aside. Get help by speaking with a licensed professional therapist. This is available online through Talkspace, a leading therapy provider that connects you with therapists through video sessions, voice and text messaging. Over 1 million people, many of them battling depression, have signed up for Talkspace.
Data source: National Center for Health Statistics: Mental Health - Household Pulse Survey - COVID-19
We may receive referral fees from the vendors linked to below.
We are glad you took a first step by taking this screening. Please remember that these results are not a diagnosis. These results are common and help is available.
Moderate depression isn't something to brush aside. Get help by speaking with a licensed professional therapist. This is available online through Talkspace, a leading therapy provider that connects you with therapists through video sessions, voice and text messaging. Over 1 million people, many of them battling depression, have signed up for Talkspace.
Data source: National Center for Health Statistics: Mental Health - Household Pulse Survey - COVID-19
We may receive referral fees from the vendors linked to below.
We are glad you took a first step by taking this screening. Please remember that these results are not a diagnosis. These results are common and help is available.
Mild depression isn't something to brush aside. Get help by speaking with a licensed professional therapist. This is available online through Talkspace, a leading therapy provider that connects you with therapists through video sessions, voice and text messaging. Over 1 million people, many of them battling depression, have signed up for Talkspace.
Data source: National Center for Health Statistics: Mental Health - Household Pulse Survey - COVID-19
We may receive referral fees from the vendors linked to below.
Please remember that these results are not a diagnosis. These results are common and if you believe you need to talk to someone, help is available.
Though you do not seem to display signs of depression, you may still want to consult with a professional to verify if what you've been experiencing is something worth exploring further with a mental health professional. You can get help by speaking with a licensed professional therapist. This is available online through Talkspace, a leading therapy provider that connects you with therapists through video sessions, voice and text messaging. Over 1 million people, many of them battling depression, have signed up for Talkspace.
Data source: National Center for Health Statistics: Mental Health - Household Pulse Survey - COVID-19
If you are feeling suicidal, we strongly recommend reaching out to the National Suicide Prevention Hotline ASAP.
Based on your answers, you should contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline. Similarly, you can contact them by phone: 1-800-273-8255
Life is incredibly complex and can be viewed as a continuous series of peaks and valleys. During some moments, we triumphantly reach a peak and feel as if we are on top of the world. Then, in the next moment and without warning, we slide off the peak and fall hard into a valley. Our personalities, coping mechanisms, and life experiences largely determine how far we plummet. When one becomes too entrenched in a valley and when the peaks are no longer visible, depression can result. Depression is a mental health condition that can significantly impair a person’s thinking, feeling, and behaving. Depression is a highly treatable condition but must be detected and diagnosed before it can be treated. There are a variety of tests and diagnostic tools that can be utilized to assess for clinical depression.
Depression screening tools seek to identify and assess the frequency and severity of depressive symptoms. Depression is characterized by feelings of sadness, a loss of interest in activities that were once pleasurable, and a persistent lack of motivation. Depression can negatively impact a person’s health and may cause physical symptoms such as headaches, digestive issues, and other aches and pains. Depression can modify an individual’s eating and sleeping habits and cause irritability, lack of concentration, and restlessness. People can display diminished energy levels, be easily fatigued, and can present with low self-esteem and feelings of hopelessness. In severe cases, individuals may experience suicidal or homicidal thoughts to inflict harm on themselves or others.
Depression testing tools appoint subjective behaviors and feelings with objective numerical values. This is done to improve the accuracy and reliability of depression measurement tools. Some depression tests are readily available to the public, while others are copyright protected. Suicide risk must always be evaluated as part of any depression screening tool.
It is recommended that physicians screen their patients for depression during all routine visits. A physician or medical health practitioner will usually conduct a physical exam and laboratory testing to rule out medical causes for a person’s depressive symptoms. A doctor or mental health professional will then utilize depression screening tests, including questionnaires and inventories to gain a better understanding of a person’s mood, thoughts, behaviors, and overall functioning. These screening tests are invaluable, as they assist a practitioner in referral and accurate diagnosis. Once a diagnosis is obtained, an individualized treatment plan can be developed.
There are several depression screening tools that measure the occurrence and severity of depressive symptoms. Some of these tools are self-administered and based on a person’s self-report, while others are conducted in interview format by a physician or mental health practitioner. Self-administered screening tools have become a fast and dependable option as a first-line depression assessment. These quick screening tools can assist a practitioner to formulate a loose diagnosis and to prompt a more complete assessment. Tests may be organized in a multiple-choice configuration or can be structured in a survey format.
A definitive clinical diagnosis can only be made following a comprehensive interview that assesses for biological, psychological, and social factors. This type of evaluation is called a Biopsychosocial Assessment and examines the connection and interactions between biological, emotional, and environmental forces. During a complete clinical assessment, an individual will be questioned about their prenatal environment, early childhood development, and family history to assess for contributing genetic and biological factors. A psychological portion will examine destructive thought patterns, feelings, and behaviors, while an environmental segment will measure environmental, cultural, and social forces.
Sadness is a regular human emotion and is to be expected when difficult life events occur. Disappointment, remorse, and loss can culminate in considerable anguish and sorrow. Ordinary bouts of sadness are transitory and usually pass after a reasonable period of time. However, when feelings of sadness are persistent and merciless, it can be suggestive of a more significant problem. When a person transcends too deep into a valley and loses hope of ever reaching a peak again, depression results. There are various depression tests and screening tools that can be used to evaluate for a depression diagnosis. Quick assessment tools can be used for initial assessment, but a conclusive diagnosis should never be made without a comprehensive and thorough interview.
If you or a loved one takes the following depression test and results indicate depression, you are encouraged to seek further help and support. Check out our therapist directory with listings of licensed professionals who can assist you with diagnosis and treatment so that you can leave the valleys behind and begin your ascent to the peaks.
This quiz is for educational/informational purposes only. It is not a replacement for medical advice. Information found on the E‑Counseling.com site is meant to motivate you to make your own mental health care decisions based upon your own research and in partnership with your health care provider.