Everyone can experience depression at some point in their life. Depression is a normal response to various life changes, such as losing a job or the loss of a loved one. Most people recover after going through the grieving process.
Yet, some people experience depressive symptoms for prolonged periods due to a depressive disorder. If you or someone you care about is depressed, taking a depression test can help you determine if you need professional depression treatment help to address your depressive symptoms.
Prevalence of Depression
According to the World Health Organization, around 280 million adults, or 5% of adults worldwide, suffer from depression. In addition, untreated depression leads to more than 700,000 suicide deaths annually. Here in the United States, the National Institute of Mental Health reported the following statistics for 2021:
- 21 million adults had at least one major depressive episode
- Females were more likely to have a major depressive episode than males
- 18.6% of 18 to 25-year-olds had a major depressive episode
- 5 million 12 to 17-year-olds had at least one major depressive episode
Is There a Test for Depression?
While there is no lab test that can diagnose depression, there are many useful methods used to determine when someone could benefit from depression treatment, including:
- Questionnaires: Different types of questionnaires ask various questions about depressive symptoms and how people respond to various situations. Questionnaires are a great tool to determine if further diagnosis is required.
- Physical examinations: Several depressive symptoms could be present due to an underlying medical condition in certain situations. Physical examinations and blood work can help determine if these are indeed from a medical condition or not.
- Duration and severity of symptoms: Persistent symptoms that have lasted for at least two weeks or longer or severe symptoms that are impacting your ability to manage daily tasks are evaluated and used with other methods to diagnose depression.
- Clinical interviews: This type of test is usually conducted by a psychiatrist who will ask you about your medical history, family history, and any depressive symptoms you are experiencing.
- Clinical depression test: This is another type of questionnaire used to help you gain a better understanding of why you are feeling depressed.
When Should I Take a Depression Test?
If you are experiencing depressive symptoms, such as:
- Sadness
- Emptiness
- Irritability
- Feeling worthless, helpless, or guilty for no apparent reason
- Loss of interest in hobbies and activities
- Isolating away from family and friends
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
- Sleeping excessively or experiencing insomnia
- Low energy levels
- Feeling tired all the time
- Problems concentrating and focusing
- Digestive issues, body aches and pains, and other physical symptoms without a clear physical cause
It is important to remember there are several different types of depression that affect people of all ages. So, everyone can have different depressive symptoms. Generally, if you experience two or more of these symptoms or notice they persist for several weeks, it is a good idea to start with an online questionnaire depression test.
How Do You Get Tested for Depression?
Most primary care physicians have started to conduct depression screenings as part of people’s annual wellness checkups. The screen consists of several questions that ask about your mental health and well-being. Depending on how you answer these questions will determine if you need further testing and evaluation.
Another way to get tested for depression is to begin with an online questionnaire. Based on your answers and the test results, it is recommended that you follow up with a healthcare professional for further evaluation.
Before a diagnosis of depression is made, it is vital to have a complete physical evaluation and lab work completed. It is imperative to rule out any potential medical conditions. Additionally, if you are taking any prescription drugs, you should check their side effects. Certain medications can cause depressive symptoms, sadness, and depression.
Where Can I Get Tested for Depression?
If you believe you may have depression, you can get depression testing and a comprehensive evaluation to rule out medical conditions at Montare Behavioral Health in Southern California. We also provide access to a wide range of resources about depression, depression counseling, and holistic therapies to help alleviate depressive symptoms, including:
- Yoga
- Mindfulness and meditation
- Recreational therapy
- Nutritional counseling
- Exercise and physical fitness plans
- Art and music therapy
We highly recommend you begin with our questionnaire. After completing the questionnaire, if you have further concerns or questions about depression, do not hesitate to contact us directly.
Depression Test: Final Thoughts
When you are experiencing depressive symptoms, it can be beneficial to complete an online depression test to gain insight into your feelings and emotions. However, it is crucial to remember that online tests are for educational purposes, not diagnostic purposes.
When the results of your online depression test might indicate you have depression, you need to follow up by scheduling an evaluation with an experienced psychiatrist. They will conduct a thorough evaluation, lab work, clinical interviews, and clinical tests to make a formal diagnosis.
Find Depression Testing and Treatment in Southern California
If you are looking for depression testing and treatment in Southern California, Montare Behavioral Health is here to help. Our caring and compassionate team offers detailed examinations and comprehensive treatment plans tailored to your specific needs. If you have further questions about depression or want to schedule a consultation appointment, contact us today.
Published: 11/01/2024
