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This quick, simple
self-test can help distinguish between clinical depression
and normal feelings of being "down
in the dumps..." It's common to get "the blues" from time to
time. Many people experience difficulties
over job lay-offs, divorce,
the death of a loved one, or other major losses. Sadness is
a normal part of life. But when sadness never
returns to gladness, it becomes what mental health
authorities call the nation's leading
psychological problem, clinical depression, also known as
major depression.
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1) Much of the time, do you feel Sad? |
Yes No |
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2) Much of the time, do you feel Lethargic? |
Yes No |
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3) Much of the time, do you feel Pessimistic? |
Yes No |
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4) Much of the time, do you feel Hopeless? |
Yes No |
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5) Much of the time, do you feel Worthless? |
Yes No |
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6) Much of the time, do you feel Helpless? |
Yes No |
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7) Much of the time, do you have difficulty making decisions? |
Yes No |
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8) Much of the time, do you have trouble concentrating? |
Yes No |
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9) Much of the time, do you have memory problems? |
Yes No |
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10) Lately, have you lost interest in things that used to give you pleasure? |
Yes No |
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11) Lately, have you had problems at work or in school? |
Yes No |
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12) Lately, have you had problems with your family or friends? |
Yes No |
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13) Lately, have you isolated yourself from others? Or wanted to? |
Yes No |
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14) Lately, have you felt low energy? |
Yes No |
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15) Lately, have you felt restless and irritable? |
Yes No |
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16) Lately, have you had trouble
falling asleep, staying asleep, or getting up in the |
Yes No |
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17) Lately, have you lost your appetite? Or gained weight? |
Yes No |
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18) Lately, have you been bothered by
persistent headaches, stomach aches, back aches? |
Yes No |
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19) Lately, have you been drinking more alcohol than you used to? |
Yes No |
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20) Lately, have you been taking more mood-altering drugs than you used to? |
Yes No |
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21) Lately, have you engaged in risky
behavior--not wearing a seat belt? Crossing |
Yes No |
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22) Lately, have you been thinking about death? |
Yes No |
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23) Lately, have you been thinking about hurting yourself? |
Yes No |
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24) Lately, have you been thinking about your funeral? |
Yes No |
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25) Lately, have you been thinking about killing yourself? |
Yes No |
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If you answer "yes" to one or more of the following questions, and it is interfering with your social, academic or occupational functioning, you may well be depressed. You may contact the Department of Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at Medical University of South Carolina at 843-792-4930 or write to: Students of MUSC may contact CAPS for a free evaluation and treatment if deemed appropriate. This service is for MUSC students only. |
