Self Exam | River Valley Psych

Self exam for depression and anxiety

Here are two brief self-tests to help you determine if you are experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety. The symptom items in these surveys are derived from the symptom lists used in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders IV (DSM IV) (1994).

SELF-TEST FOR DEPRESSION

Do you feel depressed most of the day, nearly every day?
Do you feel very little to no enjoyment of the things in life that you used to enjoy?
Has your appetite significantly increased OR decreased?
Have you been sleeping significantly more OR less?
Do you feel lethargic or sluggish?
Do you feel tired or low in energy nearly every day?
Do you feel worthless or guilty nearly every day?
Are you having difficulty concentrating or thinking?
Are you having difficulty making decisions?
Do you feel hopeless or have thought about suicide?

If you answered yes to four or more of the above questions you likely are experiencing a depressive episode and we suggest you make an appointment with a professional counselor.

SELF-TEST FOR ANXIETY

Do you feel you excessively worry over issues more days than not?
Do you find it difficult to control the worry or fear?
Do you feel restless, keyed-up or on edge?
Are you easily fatigued?
Are you having difficulty concentrating or "freeze up"?
Are you irritable?
Do you have increased muscle tension or tension headaches?
Are you having difficulty going to sleep, or staying asleep?
Are you experiencing panic attacks (an episode of feeling four or more of the following: pounding heart, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, chest pain, nausea, dizziness, feeling detached, fear of losing control, fear of dying, numbness or tingling, or chills/hot flushes)?

If you answered yes to two or more of the above questions, then you are likely experiencing some kind of anxiety disorder and we suggest you make an appointment with a professional counselor.