Most people feel sad or depressed at times. It's a normal reaction to loss or life's challenges. But when depression takes hold of your life with moderate or severe intensity, it might be time to take action by seeking support!
Do you feel like having a low mood and a loss of interest in activities? Is your depression causing you to stop leading your normal life and does everything seem harder to do? Take this test to find out if you have depression!
Reviewed by Jennifer Schulz, Ph.D., MSW, LSW
A friendly reminder: This test is NOT for medical reference. Please go to a clinic for professional advice if needed.
Update: We've invited Jennifer Schulz, Ph.D., MSW, LSW from Ashland University to help us medically review and improve the content. - Feb 14, 2024
FAQs
What is depression, and how is it diagnosed?
Depression, or Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), is a mental health condition characterized by persistent low mood, fatigue, and lack of interest in life’s activities. Clinical diagnosis is typically done through structured interviews such as the DSM-5 criteria, often using screening tools like the PHQ-9 or Hamilton Depression Scale to assess the severity of symptoms (Zimmerman et al., 2004).
How Accurate Is It?
This test is NOT a clinical diagnostic tool but serves as a valuable informational and self-awareness resource. Recent studies have highlighted the reasonable accuracy of online mental health screening tools, particularly for identifying moderate to severe depression, though a follow-up with a professional is critical for accurate diagnosis (Manea et al., 2015). These online tools can complement traditional healthcare screenings and serve as a starting point for people considering professional help.
What will the depression test results tell me?
The results will estimate your level of depression based on your responses, ranging from minimal to severe. Depression is not just sadness; it’s a condition that can affect daily functioning and mood persistently. This test is aligned with standardized measures like the PHQ-9, which is widely used in primary care for initial depression screening (Wittkampf et al., 2007). Although this test is anonymous, it can help you understand if you may need further evaluation from a mental health professional.
Do I need to take this depression test?
This test includes 30 questions designed to help you identify if you might be experiencing depression. The questions focus on common symptoms of depression such as mood changes, energy levels, and cognitive patterns, all of which are linked to clinically recognized depressive conditions like Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Online assessments, although not replacements for professional diagnosis, have been shown to provide a helpful first step in identifying mental health concerns.
How long does it take to complete the depression test?
The test takes approximately 10-15 minutes to complete.
How should I interpret the results of the depression test?
The test results are divided into six levels, with a numerical score from 0 to 100. These scores are based on established scales like the PHQ-9, where higher scores may indicate more severe symptoms (Wittkampf et al., 2009).
Can my depression test results change over time?
Yes, as your circumstances change—whether it's due to life events, environmental factors, or treatment—your depression score may fluctuate. This is consistent with how the severity of depression is influenced by multiple dynamic factors (Gibbons et al., 2013).
References:
Laura Ballester et al. (August 28, 2019) Accuracy of online survey assessment of mental disorders and suicidal thoughts and behaviors in Spanish university students. PLoS ONE
L. Manea, S. Gilbody, D. McMillan (January 2015) A diagnostic meta-analysis of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) algorithm scoring method as a screen for depression. General Hospital Psychiatry
K. Wittkampf et al. (July 2007) Diagnostic accuracy of the mood module of the Patient Health Questionnaire. General Hospital Psychiatry
K. Wittkampf et al. (September 2009) The accuracy of Patient Health Questionnaire-9 in detecting depression and measuring depression severity in high-risk groups. General Hospital Psychiatry
R. Gibbons et al. (July 2013) The computerized adaptive diagnostic test for major depressive disorder (CAD-MDD). Journal of Clinical Psychiatry
Your symptoms suggest you need to seek immediate help. If you are having suicidal thoughts then we strongly recommend you speak to someone who may be able to help. Reach out to your friends and family. OR if you think they're going to understand you, just talk to your GP. He/She can help you explore your options, understand your problems better, or just be there to listen.
It's very likely that you have symptoms of depression. You should definitely see a mental health professional for further evaluation and treatment. Getting a professional medical screening from your GP could help you figure out what you've been through.
Your results indicate that you may be experiencing symptoms of moderate depression. Based on your answers, living with these symptoms could be causing difficulty managing relationships and even the tasks of everyday life.
Your results indicate that you have none, or very few symptoms of depression. Having a low mood or feeling on edge are common experiences for us all. It might be helpful if you can reach out to trusted friends and family. However, we still suggest you to pay enough attention to your mental health. Feel free to ask for professional whenever you feel the mod wave is overwhelming.
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that's related to changes in seasons — SAD begins and ends at about the same times every year. If you're like most people with SAD, your symptoms start in the fall and continue into the winter months, sapping your energy and making you feel moody. Don't brush off that yearly feeling as simply a case of the "winter blues" or a seasonal funk that you have to tough out on your own. Treatment can help prevent complications, especially if SAD is diagnosed and treated before symptoms get bad.
When you’re going through a tough time it’s normal to feel down for a while, emotions like sadness and grief help make us human. Whatever you're going through, you'll be fine. I believe you will get over with it like many times before.
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