Depression Test

If you have depression, you may experience:

Feelings of hopelessness, guilt, or worthlessness
Persistent feelings of loneliness or sadness
Difficulty concentrating
Loss of interest in enjoyable activities
Lack of energy
Trouble sleeping
Changes in appetite
Restlessness or irritability
Thoughts of death or suicide

A healthcare professional will evaluate your depressive symptoms over a 2-week period and review your family’s health history. Blood tests may also be ordered to rule out underlying conditions such as vitamin deficiencies. According to the DSM-5, a diagnosis of depression requires at least five of the main symptoms to be present for over two weeks.

A mental health professional, such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, or clinical social worker, can diagnose depression. You can also discuss your concerns with a general healthcare professional for an initial diagnosis, who can then refer you to a mental health specialist for further evaluation and treatment.

If you’re wondering, “Do I have depression?” a clinical depression test can help clarify the scope and impact of your symptoms. This test includes a scale to rate various depression symptoms. Your total score, combined with a clinical interview, will determine your diagnosis.

When depression symptoms persist for two weeks or longer, seek help from a mental health professional. Treatment options include therapy, medication, or a combination of both. At Talkspace, we make accessing high-quality care easy by connecting you with licensed and experienced providers anywhere, anytime. Find an online therapist or prescriber to begin your journey in treating clinical depression.