ABC Health & Wellbeing

Quiz

Are you depressed?

If you're concerned that you or someone you know may be depressed, try this quiz.
Published 21/08/2006

This quiz is based on the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, 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.

Almost 85 per cent of those found to have depression after an in-depth structured interview with a psychiatrist will have a high score on the CES-Depression Scale. On the other hand, about 20 per cent of those who score high on the scale will have their symptoms resolve quickly and not turn out to have major or clinical depression.

You should not take your quiz score to represent a mental disorder diagnosis. Always consult with a trained mental health professional if you are experiencing depressive feelings or difficulties in your daily life that cause you anxiety or worry. A full physical examination is necessary to rule out physical disorders presenting as mental disorders.

For reference:
Radloff LS, The CES-D scale: a self-report depression scale for research in the general population. Applied Psychological Measurement Vol 1, pp 385-401, 1977.

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