Depression Screening

What is depression screening?

A depression screening is also called a depression test. It’s a standard set of questions that you answer to help your health care provider find out whether you have depression.

Depression is a common, serious mental health condition. Everyone feels sad at times, but depression is different than normal sadness or grief. Depression can affect how you think, feel, and behave. It makes it hard to function at home and work. You may lose interest in activities you once enjoyed. Some people with depression may feel worthless and might even think about harming themselves. Depression may also be part of other mental health conditions, such as bipolar disorder.

Because depression is a common mental health problem, depression screening is often done as part of a routine health checkup. Medical experts recommend that depression screening should be done for everyone starting at age 12. Screening can help find depression early. And treating depression early may make recovery faster. Most people with depression will get better.

Other names: depression test, Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D), Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS and GDS-SF)

What is it used for?

A depression screening is used to:

• Help diagnose depression
• Understand how severe depression may be
• Help figure out what type of depression you have

There are different types of depression. The most common types are:

• Major depression, also called major depressive disorder. The symptoms typically make it difficult to work, sleep, study and eat. With major depression, you have symptoms most of the time for at least two weeks.
• Persistent depressive disorder, also called dysthymia. The symptoms are less severe than major depression, but they last much longer, usually for at least two years.
• Seasonal affective disorder (SAD). This form of depression usually happens in winter when there’s less sunlight. Most people with SAD tend to feel better in the spring and summer.
• Postpartum depression. This is major depression that happens after giving birth. It’s more severe and lasts longer than mild unhappiness and other mood changes that are often called the “baby blues.” Major depression may also begin during pregnancy. Depression that happens during or shortly after pregnancy is called “perinatal depression.” Medical experts recommend routine depression screening during pregnancy and after birth.

Why do I need depression screening?

Depression screening is often part of a routine checkup. You may also need depression screening if you show signs of depression, which may include:

• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities you used to enjoy
• Feeling sad or anxious
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness or helplessness
• Trouble sleeping (insomnia) or sleeping too much
• Fatigue and lack of energy
• Trouble concentrating, remembering details, or making decisions
• Changes in your weight
• Thoughts of hurting yourself or suicide