Is it hard to get out of bed even when the day seems promising? Has life lost its color, even though nothing seems to have changed? Can a simple test explain what’s going on with you?

Depression often goes unnoticed, especially when its symptoms appear to be just regular exhaustion or a bad mood. Online tests offer a quick way to assess your mental state. Let’s find out how they work and what to do after receiving the results.

Depression and Its Signs

Depression is a widespread mental disorder that, according to the 2024 Our World In Data study, affects about 3.4% of the world’s population. It is characterized by:

▪️ Persistent sadness and loss of interest in life;

▪️ Feeling tired, even after sleep or rest;

▪️ Insomnia or excessive sleepiness;

▪️ Difficulty concentrating and remembering things;

▪️ Feelings of hopelessness, guilt, or worthlessness;

▪️ Disturbing thoughts of death or suicide.

Depression manifests differently in different people: for some, it’s apathy and fatigue, while for others, it’s irritability and nervousness. It can occur without obvious causes, even when everything seems fine on the outside. The key is to recognize the warning signs in time.

How Are Depression Screenings Conducted?

Depression tests are specialized questionnaires that help detect signs of depression and assess its severity. They usually consist of a series of questions about emotional state, behavior, physical symptoms, and cognitive functions. Some of the main diagnostic methods for depression include:

▪️ Beck Depression Inventory (BDI): A classic test used for preliminary assessment of depression. It consists of 21 questions covering emotional state, physical well-being, behavior, and thoughts. Each item is rated on a four-point scale, and the total score provides an overview of the severity of symptoms.

▪️ Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D): Often used by doctors, this questionnaire evaluates different aspects of depression, such as anxiety, sleep disturbances, apathy, and thoughts of death. It helps determine the severity of the patient's condition.

▪️ PHQ-9 Questionnaire: A quick and convenient test for self-assessment. It includes nine questions focused on the primary symptoms of depression, such as mood, hopelessness, and energy levels.

Can You Trust Depression Tests?

While depression tests are useful for identifying potential symptoms, they cannot replace a professional diagnosis. Their results help flag possible issues, but for a clear understanding, you need to see a doctor.

The main issue with these tests is the subjectivity of responses. Different people can interpret the same symptoms in different ways, which can lead to varying results. Moreover, tests don’t take all factors into account, such as life circumstances.

If a test suggests depression, it’s not a cause for panic, but also not something to ignore. Consult a psychologist or therapist for further diagnosis and to discuss next steps. Only a specialist can evaluate your condition holistically and determine whether treatment is needed.

Conclusion

Depression tests are a useful tool for initial assessment, but they are not a substitute for a professional medical evaluation. If you notice symptoms of depression, don’t rely solely on the test results. Consult a specialist who can properly assess your condition and provide recommendations for improving your well-being.