Taking a depression test that is in the form of a self-assessment could be a useful technique to determine whether or not you are exhibiting signs of depression. Self-tests for depression that are both quick and easy to administer can be found in many online resources. There is a brief prescreening tool accessible at the Mayo Clinic’s site, and there is also a similar form available at WebMD’s site. Both of these tools are effective markers of whether or not you should take additional tests for depression. There is also a quick test for depression that may be found on the site of the NYU Department of Psychiatry. The National Mental Health Association also maintains a webpage that is exclusively devoted to the screening process for depression tests.
In each of these depression tests, you will be asked questions about your feelings, thoughts, energy levels, patterns of sleeping and eating, patterns of concentration, and, of course, suicidal thoughts. A recent study that was released in the British Medical Journal suggested that depression might be diagnosed by asking only two questions, despite the fact that both tests are comparable to one another and are already rather brief:
- “During the course of the past month, if you have been troubled by feeling down, dejected, or hopeless, please raise your hand.”
- “In the course of the past month, if you have been concerned by little interest or joy in accomplishing things, what have you been doing about it?”
If you find that you have symptoms of depression after taking a self-assessment test, it is highly recommended that you begin researching depression and the various treatment options available for it and then follow up with a visit to a medical professional.
In addition, a physical examination will be performed in order to further diagnose depression. Depression can be caused by a wide variety of medications; therefore, the best thing that you can do for your depression may be to stop taking the medicine that is causing it and, if required, switch to another kind. Naturally, you should not proceed without first discussing this with your primary care physician. A doctor may also order laboratory testing to determine whether you have anemia, an underactive thyroid gland, abnormal levels of electrolytes, difficulties with drugs or alcohol, or any of these other conditions. They may also request that you undergo an evaluation of your mental health as well as further tests that are more in-depth and can detect and determine the degree of the depression. During the mental assessment, the doctor will evaluate not only you and your body posture but also your medical history, any medications you are currently taking, and standard procedures such as evaluating your senses and reflexes. The doctor may also request a blood or urine sample from you at some point during the evaluation. When looking for potential abnormalities in the neural system, a CT scan, MRI, or EEG may be needed at times.
If you have been experiencing emotions of melancholy or hopelessness that have lasted for more than two weeks, you should get tested for depression. A depression test can help you identify your downward spiral before it’s too late and lead you to the benefits you need to maintain your mental health intact. The test can also help you catch yourself before it’s too late.
