Depression has many causes and influences people in unique ways. We all have our days when we feel sad, exceptionally tired or are having trouble sleeping. Fortunately, these episodes usually don't last long. When symptoms like these last for two weeks or more, it may be a sign of a significant, or "major" depression.
At this time, there are no blood tests or X-rays that can tell if someone is depressed. The best way to make a diagnosis of major depression is to carefully examine how you feel and discuss this with your doctor. There are several questionnaires available to help you and your doctor decide if you have depression that should be treated. It is important to find this out because the treatment for depression is very effective.
Take the depression assessment. Take your time, answer the questions as honestly as you can, and carefully read the report at the end.
The CESD is a questionnaire developed in the 1970s to detect major or clinical depression. The questions are easy to answer and cover most of the areas included in the diagnostic criteria for depression. The questionnaire has been completed by thousands of individuals in primary care offices and from their homes. Almost 85% of those found to have depression after an in-depth structured interview with a psychiatrist will have a high score on the CESD. However, about 20% of those who score high on the CESD will have rapid resolution of their symptoms and not meet full criteria for major or clinical depression. Therefore, it is necessary to see your doctor for an accurate diagnosis.
