Depression Symptoms Test

Take the Depression Test

Depression strikes millions each year, often with debilitating consequences. This psychological disorder is so common that it is sometimes referred to as the "common cold" of mental health, with nearly 10% of the population suffering from a depressive disorder at any given time. (source: National Institute of Mental Health)

Depression also has a high cure rate. Effective treatments exist to help bring people's lives back under control. Yet tragically many people suffering from this illness go without diagnosis and treatment. This depression test is a tool that may help you recognize the symptoms of depression and decide to get help. Please note that only a licensed professional can diagnose depression.

The Different Types of Depression

Depression is classified in a number of ways. The types of depression that this test looks for are: major depression, bipolar disorder, cyclothymia (a milder form of bipolar), dysthymia (or chronic depression), postpartum depression, and seasonal affective disorder or SAD. Each one presents different symptoms and represents a distinct diagnosis. You can learn more about each of these types of depression after you take the test and get your results. Please note that other variants of depression exist which are not tested for on this web site.

Postpartum Depression Symptoms

Postpartum Depression - Symptoms

Postpartum blues. A certain amount of insomnia, irritability, tears, overwhelmed feelings, and mood swings are normal during the first days after childbirth. These "baby blues" usually peak around the fourth postpartum day and subside in less than 2 weeks, when hormonal changes have settled down. If you have postpartum blues after childbirth, you're not alone-more than half of women have temporary mild symptoms of depression mixed with feelings of happiness after having a baby.¹

Be sure to report any feelings of postpartum blues to your doctor at your first postpartum checkup, so he or she can follow up with you.

Postpartum depression (PPD). Symptoms of postpartum depression can follow postpartum blues. They can feel like more of the same, or worse than before. Postpartum depression can also happen months after childbirth or pregnancy loss. In some cases, symptoms peak after slowly building for 3 or 4 months. Possible PPD symptoms require evaluation by a doctor.

If you have postpartum depression, you have had five or more depressive symptoms (including one of the first two listed below) for most of the past 2 weeks, including:¹

· Depressed mood-tearfulness, hopelessness, and feeling empty inside, with or without severe anxiety.

· Loss of pleasure in either all or almost all of your daily activities.

· Appetite and weight change-usually a drop in appetite and weight, but sometimes the opposite.

· Sleep problems-usually trouble with sleeping, even when your baby is sleeping.

· Noticeable change in how you walk and talk-usually restlessness, but sometimes sluggishness.

· Extreme fatigue or loss of energy.

· Feelings of worthlessness or guilt, with no reasonable cause.

· Difficulty concentrating and making decisions.

· Thoughts about death or suicide. Some women with PPD have fleeting, frightening thoughts of harming their babies: these thoughts tend to be fearful thoughts, rather than urges to harm.

Early treatment of PPD is important for both you and your baby. It may be helpful to make a list of postpartum depression symptoms that you can take to your doctor.