M A R C I A  W E S L E Y,  Psy. D.
MAJOR DEPRESSION
 
   


M A J O R    D E P R E S S I O N

Many people suffer from major depressions at some point in their lives. If you suspect that you might be suffering from clinical depression, the following quiz will help you determine if you might be suffering from a depression that requires treatment.

QUESTIONS
True
False
    • I have depressed moods most of the day, nearly every day.
    • I am experiencing diminished interest or pleasure in all, or almost all, activities most of the day, nearly every day.
    • I am experiencing significant weight loss or gain, even though I am not on a special diet. My basic appetite has recently decreased or increased.
    • I have difficulty sleeping or I am sleeping too much.
    • I am expressing lots of physical signs of agitation or I am experiencing being very slowed down.
    • I am experiencing severe fatigue and a loss of energy nearly every day.
    • I feel worthless and/or guilty nearly every day.
    • Thinking, concentrating, or making decisions is very difficult for me nearly every day.
    • I have recurring thoughts of death, or recurrent thoughts of suicide either with no specific plan or with a specific plan for committing suicide.

Evaluation

If you checked any five boxes above and these responses have been true for the last two weeks, and if they represent a change in your usual way of experiencing life, you may be experiencing a major depression. It is recommended that you seek consultation from a psychologist for a more thorough assessment and any assistance you might need. Fortunately, major depressions can be treated through a combination of therapy and judiciously administered medications.

(These questions were derived from the diagnostic criteria from the DSM-VI.)

 
 
 

Phone: 425.882.0127

 
     
© 2001-2006. Marcia Wesley.
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WA Psy. LIc. No. 2995
CA Lic. No. 15095