What is depression screening?

A depression screening is also called a depression test. It's a standard set of questions that you answer to help your health care provider find out whether you have depression.

Depression is a common, serious mental health condition. Everyone feels sad at times, but depression is different than normal sadness or grief. Depression can affect how you think, feel, and behave. It makes it hard to function at home and work. You may lose interest in activities you once enjoyed. Some people with depression may feel worthless and might even think about harming themselves. Depression may also be part of other mental health conditions, such as bipolar disorder.

Because depression is a common mental health problem, depression screening is often done as part of a routine health checkup. Medical experts recommend that depression screening should be done for everyone starting at age 12. Screening can help find depression early. And treating depression early may make recovery faster. Most people with depression will get better.

Other names: depression test, Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D), Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS and GDS-SF)

What is it used for?

A depression screening is used to:

• Help diagnose depression
• Understand how severe depression may be
• Help figure out what type of depression you have

There are different types of depression. The most common types are:

• Major depression, also called major depressive disorder. The symptoms typically make it difficult to work, sleep, study and eat. With major depression, you have symptoms most of the time for at least two weeks.
• Persistent depressive disorder, also called dysthymia. The symptoms are less severe than major depression, but they last much longer, usually for at least two years.
• Seasonal affective disorder (SAD). This form of depression usually happens in winter when there's less sunlight. Most people with SAD tend to feel better in the spring and summer.
• Postpartum depression. This is major depression that happens after giving birth. It's more severe and lasts longer than mild unhappiness and other mood changes that are often called the "baby blues." Major depression may also begin during pregnancy. Depression that happens during or shortly after pregnancy is called "perinatal depression." Medical experts recommend routine depression screening during pregnancy and after birth.

Why do I need depression screening?

Depression screening is often part of a routine checkup. You may also need depression screening if you show signs of depression, which may include:

• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities you used to enjoy
• Feeling sad or anxious
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness or helplessness
• Trouble sleeping (insomnia) or sleeping too much
• Fatigue and lack of energy
• Trouble concentrating, remembering details, or making decisions
• Changes in your weight
• Thoughts of hurting yourself or suicide

If you are thinking about suicide or hurting yourself, get help right away:

• Call 911 or go to your local emergency room
• Contact a suicide hotline. In the United States, you can reach the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at any time:
  • Call or text 988
  • Chat online with Lifeline Chat
  • TTY users: Use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988
• Veterans can contact the Veterans Crisis Line:
  • Call 988 then press 1
  • Text 838255
  • Chat online
• Call your mental health provider or other provider
• Reach out to a loved one or close friend

What happens during depression screening?

During a depression screening, you'll answer a standard set of questions. Your provider may ask the questions, or you may fill out a questionnaire form to discuss with your provider later.

In general, the questions ask you about:

• Changes you've noticed in your:
  • Mood
  • Sleep habits
  • Appetite or weight
  • Energy levels
  • Ability to focus your attention
  • Stress levels
• Medicines you take
• Alcohol and drug use
• Your personal and family history of depression and other mental health conditions

You may also have a physical exam. There's no lab test that can diagnose depression. But your provider may order blood tests to find out if another health condition, such as anemia or thyroid disease, may be causing depression.

During a blood test, a health care professional will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm, using a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. You may feel a little sting when the needle goes in or out. This usually takes less than five minutes.

If you are being tested by a mental health provider, he or she may ask you more detailed questions about your feelings and behaviors. You may also be asked to fill out a questionnaire about these issues.

Will I need to do anything to prepare for depression screening?

You usually don't need any special preparations for a depression test or a blood test.

Are there any risks to depression screening?

There is no risk to answering questions or having a physical exam.

There is very little risk to having a blood test. You may have slight pain or bruising at the spot where the needle was put in, but most symptoms go away quickly.

What do the results mean?

If you are diagnosed with depression, your provider will discuss your treatment options. Starting treatment as soon as possible may improve your chance of recovery. Treatment for depression may take time to work, but it can help reduce symptoms and shorten how long depression lasts.

Your provider may suggest that you see a mental health provider for your care. A mental health provider is a health care professional who specializes in diagnosing and treating mental health problems. If you are already seeing a mental health provider, a depression test may help guide your treatment.

Learn more about laboratory tests, reference ranges, and understanding results.

Is there anything else I need to know about depression screening?

There are many types of mental health providers who treat depression. Your primary health care provider can help you find the right support.

These are some of the professionals who have training to diagnose and treat depression:

• Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in mental health. Psychiatrists can prescribe medicine.
• Psychologists generally have doctoral degrees, but they do not have medical degrees. They can't prescribe medicine unless they have a special license. Some psychologists work with providers who can prescribe medicine. Psychologists may use one-on-one counseling and/or group therapy sessions.
• Psychiatric or mental health nurses are nurses with special training in mental health problems. Nurses who may have a master's or doctoral degree in psychiatric-mental health nursing include, advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), certified nurse practitioners (CNPs), and clinical nurse specialists (CNSs). In some states, certain nurses can prescribe medicines.
• Licensed clinical social workers have at least a master's degree in social work with special training in mental health. They can't prescribe medicine, but they may work with providers who can prescribe medicine. Providers who are licensed clinical social workers usually have LCSW or LICSW after their names.
• Licensed professional counselors (LPC) may also be called clinicians or therapists. States have different names of these licenses, such as LMFT (licensed marriage and family therapist). These professionals usually have a master's degree in a field related to mental health. They can't prescribe medicine, but may work with providers who can prescribe.