Rate Your Risk for Depression
WebMD Health Tool
Could You Be Depressed?
Depression affects people
differently. Some people cry a
lot and feel sad. Others seem
angry, irritable, or anxious.
For others, depression shows
itself in vague physical
problems like constipation, muscle aches, headaches
. Take a
minute to think about how you
have felt over the past two
weeks. Which of these statements
describe you?
This tool
cannot diagnose depression. This
tool is not meant for anyone
under the age of 18. Only your
health care provider can
diagnose depression.
I feel sad or down most of the time.
Yes or No
I've lost interest in the activities I used to enjoy.
Yes or No
I feel tired almost every day.
Yes or No
I have problems sleeping. I'm either sleeping too much or staying awake at night.
Yes or No
My appetite has changed. I'm not eating enough, or I'm eating too much.
Yes or No
I have trouble concentrating.
Yes or No
My friends say I'm acting different. I'm either anxious and restless or lethargic.
Yes or No
I feel worthless or hopeless.
Yes or No
I'm having frequent headaches, stomach problems, muscle pain, or back problems.
Yes or No
I find myself thinking a lot about dying or suicide .
Yes or No
Could You Be Depressed? Results:
Lower Risk
You replied that you are feeling four or fewer of the
common symptoms of depression. In general, people
experiencing depression have five or more common symptoms of
the condition. But every individual is unique. If you are
concerned about depression, talk with your doctor.
Depression shows up in many different ways. People often
lose interest in favorite activities and feel sad or
hopeless. They may also have sleep problems, gain or lose
weight, feel irritable or angry, or be in physical pain for
unexplained reasons. Feeling guilty, anxious, or having
difficulty concentrating are also common signs of
depression. Fortunately, there are many ways to treat
depression, and more than 80% of people treated for
depression improve within a year.
Higher Risk
You replied that you are feeling five or more of the
common symptoms of depression.
You may be at risk for major depression.
Feeling five or more of these symptoms in the same two-week
period indicates that you may be at risk for major
depression. Talk with your doctor.
Depression shows up in many different ways. People often
lose interest in favorite activities, have sleep problems,
gain or lose weight, feel irritable or angry, or are in
physical pain for unexplained reasons. Feeling guilty,
anxious, or having difficulty concentrating are also common
signs of depression. Fortunately, there are many ways to
treat depression, and more than 80% of people treated for
depression improve within a year.
* If you have
recurring thoughts of death or suicide,
call your doctor or
any qualified health care provider right away. If you
need immediate assistance or think you may have a
medical emergency, call 911.
© 1996-2005
WebMD Inc. All rights reserved.
Last Editorial Review: 11/28/2005