A depression test or inventory is taken by a physician to determine whether a person is suffering from a depressive disorder or condition. Not all forms of depression indicate a mental illness or disorder. Everyone experiences depression from time to time; it's a natural by-product of living. Testing for depression should be done by a professional if a person suspects he is experiencing clinical depression.
Trained Professional
Trained professionals, including general physicians, clinical psychologists and psychiatrists administer depression tests or inventories. Depression tests assess a person's mental or emotional state.
Depressive Disorder
Depressive disorders cannot be diagnosed solely by depression tests. The depression test is just one factor to consider. Without proper assessment, treatment cannot be determined.
Online Depression Tests
The validity of depression tests affects the efficacy of their results. Most online depression tests are offered for entertainment value. If true depression is suspected, a physician should be consulted. People take online depression tests when they are trying to answer questions about themselves and how they are feeling such as: Why do I feel so depressed when things in life appear to be going fine? How can I overcome the low self-esteem that prevents me from doing better at
work?
Measuring Emotional Response
The Scranton Depression Inventory determines whether a person is suffering from anxiety or depression. Anxiety may manifest as anger, temperamental outbursts, followed by depressive episodes marked by regret. Depression tests reveal the difference and provide valuable information for treatment.
One-on-One Testing
Valid depression inventories require one-on-one assessment to determine emotional state, levels of self-esteem, self-image and reactions. Straight tests ask questions that a patient can fill out, but they do not provide observational data that a psychologist uses to judge a patient's level of honesty.
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