Depression Screening - iVillage Your Total Health

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Depression Screening

By:
iVillage Health & Well-Being Staff Writer

Each year more than 19 million Americans experience clinical depression. Clinical depression can occur in any woman, regardless of age, race or income. Depression robs women of the pleasures of daily life, and it can even be serious enough to lead to suicide. The good news is that depression is treatable.

Women are more than twice as likely as men to experience clinical depression. While it's not clear why, research suggests that biological characteristics of women -- such as hormonal changes and genetics -- may cause depression. Additionally, social reasons -- such as stresses due to work and family responsibilities, the roles and expectations of women, and even the increased rates of sexual abuse and poverty among women -- may contribute to higher rates of clinical depression.

Despite the number of women who experience clinical depression, it's not a "female weakness" or simply a normal part of being a woman. Find out if you're at risk by taking this depression quiz developed by the National Mental Health Association.

Over the past two weeks have you ...

1. Experienced a persistent sad, anxious or "empty" mood?

Yes
No

2. Experienced a change in your sleeping patterns, such as sleeping too little or sleeping too much?

Yes
No

3. Experienced reduced appetite and weight loss, or increased appetite and weight gain?

Yes
No

4. Lost interest or pleasure in activities you once enjoyed?

Yes
No

5. Experienced persistent physical symptoms that don't respond to treatment (such as headaches, chronic pain, or constipation and other digestive disorders)?

Yes
No

6. Felt restless or irritable?

Yes
No

7. Had difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions?

Yes
No

8. Experienced fatigue or loss of energy?

Yes
No

9. Felt guilty, hopeless or worthless?

Yes
No

10. Thought about death or suicide?

Yes
No

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