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Depression assessment

Complete the following assessment to see if you or someone you care about may have depression. While you're taking the assessment, think about behavior and moods from at least the past two weeks. The assessment is based on information from Mental Health America.

Note: This assessment is not intended to be a substitute for a visit with your healthcare provider.

Check the box next to each symptom that describes how you're feeling.

I am restless or irritable.

I sleep too little or too much. Sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night or early in the morning.

I'm experiencing fatigue or a loss of energy.

I'm experiencing a persistent sad, anxious or "empty" mood.

I've lost interest or pleasure in activities I once enjoyed.

I have trouble concentrating, remembering things or making decisions.

I've noticed either a loss of appetite and weight loss or an increase in appetite and weight gain.

I have thoughts of death or suicide.

None of the above.

Results

If you indicated that you are having thoughts of death or suicide, you may be at risk for harming yourself. Contact a healthcare professional immediately or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800.273.TALK (800-273-8255).

If you have four or fewer other symptoms, you probably do not have depression.

If you have five or more symptoms, you may have depression.

If you have five or more symptoms or you have any symptoms that are serious enough to interfere with your daily routine, Mental Health America recommends that you see your doctor or mental health professional for a more thorough diagnosis.

A screening tool such as this is no substitute for a professional diagnosis, but it may point out whether symptoms exist and encourage you to seek further evaluation if needed. Not everyone who is depressed experiences every symptom. The severity of symptoms varies from person to person and can vary over time, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.

More information

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, people who can refer you to diagnostic and treatment services, or provide the services themselves, include:

• Family doctors.
• Mental health specialists such as psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers or mental health counselors.
• Health maintenance organizations.
• Community mental health centers.
• Social agencies.
• Members of the clergy.

For more information on depression, visit the Depression health topic center.