How accurate are these online depression tests?

[CornField]

Or, more to the point, if you scored quite high on several, would you speak with your doctor about it?

[proud2BlibKansan]

1. Couldn't hurt

chances are he would have a legitimate test to give you and then you would know for sure.

[wysi]

2. Depends...

... which ones did you take? If you are still at the point of trying to work out whether you are depressed it's possible that you are depressed, but not severely.

wysi (psychologist)

[CornField]

5. I'm pretty sure I'm depressed

I just scored much higher on these tests than what I expected. Typically, in the winter, I will go through seasonal depression -- not really wanting to be out with friends, feeling blue/down, not sleeping so well, etc.

For the past month or more, however, I've been feeling extremely hopeless -- as if I'm some very elderly person just waiting on death to take me away. I caught myself being extremely irritated with my children tonight. It was totally something stupid... something that I could typically blow off. Then, later in the evening, my husband made a comment about me really acting like a bitch.

Well... this doesn't feel typical for my seasonal stuff. I'm wondering if I should seek some help or if this is something I can kick on my own.

[Merlot]

10. Post-election depression?

I'm not makeing light of your depression. But think about where we were one month ago. Since you say it doesn't feel typical for the seasonal stuff, maybe it's due to the election. I know it made me feel very helpless, and like evil would always triumph.

I took a serious nose-dive after the election. Started drinking. Felt very disconnected with other people who seemed to be living their lives in blissfull unawareness. I even tried not reading DU or other political sites for a while (but I came back).

The only suggestion I can make is for you to try and focus on positive things for a while. Play with children, pets, take a walk outside, and take a break from politics if necessary. If you can get through it without depression meds, all the better.

Good luck!

[terry4kerry]

13. depression and treatment

If the quality of your life is lower, it is worth seeking out treatment. You don't necessarily need to go on medication, still you want to see what your options are.

[terry4kerry]

3. depression

Hi, As a clinical psychologist I would suggest if you felt depressed to definitely go to a professional. The key features of clinical depression are two weeks or more of the following symptoms(if you have more than 4, then it needs to be addressed by a professional): Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much, loss of interest, guilt or constantly ruminating (maybe difficulty letting things go or obsessing), less energy, loss of concentration, hopelessness, less interested in activities that use to bring you interest, find activities less pleasurable, changes in appetite(increase or decrease), and suicidal ideation (thoughts of killing yourself). Hope this helps.

[thoughtanarchist]

4. a depression test at a pharma website?

Hmmm... If they score high, they'll buy our drugz

The pharma companies would like every who down in whoville as high as a kite.
If it comes from your doctor it must be alright...

[CornField]

6. No, not a pharmaceutical web site

http://www.depression-screening.org/screeningtest/screeningtest.htm

http://www.med.nyu.edu/psych/screens/depres.html

http://www.depressioncenter.net/depressiontest/

[Placebo]

7. EEP. According to those tests...

I am severely depressed!

[thoughtanarchist]

11. Sorry for being callous. kidding aside... be carefull...

I read about anti-depressants and how they sometimes cause more problems than they solve... some patients get wild mood swings or worse.

Take your time and talk to pro's who can monitor effects & progress...

[ocean girl]

8. For those of us who suffer from clinical depression,

drugs are our only hope of survival and happiness. I hate the drug whores as much as the next person but some drugs save people's lives (like mine).

If you feel hopeless and/or helpless, you are probably in a depression. Don't fool around with it - go see a professional. Just getting another point of view can be extremely helpful.

Unfortunately, it's hard to know you're depressed when you're in the middle of it.

One of my favorite books that I keep handy is "Your Depression Map: Find the Source of Your Depression and Chart Your Own Recovery" by Randy Paterson, Ph.D. There is an extensive list of symptoms to determine your depression level. After years of dealing with this disease, I still sometimes have problems identifying what's happening with me. I just go to the list and it gives me a perspective on what's going on and what I can do about it.

Here's what Amazon says about the book:
Mental health professionals have recently discovered the benefits of defining an individual’s particular depression — a process called depression mapping — and then building a program tailored to the patient’s personality and lifestyle. Based on the premise that depression is not an isolated disorder but a cluster of related disorders, this workbook asks readers to look at the multiple causes and symptoms of their depression and the myths that may hinder healing. Readers then devise their own individual depression map. Included are guidelines that include illustrations, charts, graphs, and exercises for strengthening motivation, setting reasonable goals, controlling thoughts and emotions, managing stress, assessing biochemical and physical approaches, and evaluating outside help.

Good luck to you - don't be afraid to ask for help. It takes a tremendous amount of courage to do it but it can save your life.

[Deja Q]

9. The ones I've been given by the PROFESSIONALS are...

(a) more condensed
(b) generally the same questions as those posed on the internet sites

From my observation and usage of BOTH, of course.

If several, then talk to the duck and see if he quacks.

[MsConduct]

12. Hunny, if you're depressed, get help. Hope you feel better soon, k? n/t