Mental health disorders, including depression, are often taken for granted. Though depression can be a big problem if not treated quickly. In order to get treatment as soon as possible, you need to recognize the symptoms of depression and have a depression test done to confirm it.
The main purpose of doing a depression test is to measure the extent of depression experienced by a person. Thus, doctors and psychologists can plan treatment steps according to the patient's condition.
Recognize the Symptoms of Depression First
You need to understand that in fact many people are experiencing depression, but do not realize it. This happens because of a lack of understanding of the symptoms of depression.
Symptoms of depression are not just a prolonged feeling of sadness. Constant feelings of anxiety and low self-esteem, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities are also part of the signs that someone may be experiencing depression.
Not only that, there are also some symptoms of depression that you need to know, including:
- Easily angered and irritated.
- Having trouble sleeping.
- Have a change in appetite.
- There is a feeling of guilt in yourself.
- Likes to be alone, avoids social contact with people around.
- Having difficulty building relationships with the surrounding environment, both within the family, friends, and household.
Even in severe circumstances, depression can lead to suicidal ideation.
Benefits of Depression Test
Because the symptoms of depression are so diverse and can't always be noticed, experts have developed depression tests that can be done independently, or with the help of medical professionals such as psychologists and psychiatrists.
Basically, the depression test was created as a way for a psychologist or psychiatrist to know how a person's psychological condition, including how his risk for depression is. Depression tests are generally in the form of a questionnaire to collect as much information from the patient as possible.
However, you need to understand that this depression test is not a step to determine a definite diagnosis. The depression test is only an early detection effort to see how much the patient's risk level for depression is.
After getting an overview of your psychological condition through the results of a depression test, you need to consult further with a psychologist or psychiatrist. The goal is that a more thorough examination can be carried out, in order to determine the diagnosis of depression. That way, psychologists and psychiatrists can provide the needed treatment.
Examples of Types of Depression Tests
Given the importance of preventing and treating depression from an early age, both experienced by children and adults, the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia provides several depression test programs to help detect depression early.
There are various types of depression tests that you can take independently and for free. Here are some of the depression tests that can be accessed online on line from the Indonesian Ministry of Health:
Geriatric Depression Scale 15
Geriatric Depression Scale is one of the most frequently used instruments to diagnose depression in the elderly. This depression test has 15 multiple-choice questions consisting of various instruments regarding the conditions or symptoms you may be experiencing.
Self Reporting Questionnaire 20
This depression test is among the most commonly performed, because it can be done by all ages. The questions in it are closely related to the complaints and discomforts that may have been felt or bothered you during the last 30 days.
If you or someone around you appears to be experiencing symptoms of depression, it is recommended that you try the depression test. Answer each question on the depression test honestly, so that the results are accurate. If the test results show you are depressed, don't wait to seek help from a psychologist or psychiatrist.
