What does this tool help you learn?

This tool can help you assess your symptoms and find out if you might have depression. It adds up how many common symptoms of depression you have. Then, based on your answers, it suggests where you might be on a scale from not depressed to depressed.

This tool is not for diagnosis. But it may help you find out if you should seek help from your doctor.

Developed by Drs. Robert L. Spitzer, Janet B.W. Williams, Kurt Kroenke, and colleagues, with an educational grant from Pfizer Inc. No permission required to reproduce, translate, display, or distribute.

What does your score mean?

The more symptoms of depression you have, the higher your score will be. The higher your score, the more likely you are to have depression.

But keep in mind that a higher score doesn't always mean that you have depression. And a lower score doesn't always mean that you don't have it. This tool can help you look closely at your feelings. Then you can think about whether your symptoms might be symptoms of depression. But using this tool doesn't take the place of a full checkup by your doctor. If you are concerned about any of your symptoms, seek medical help.

What's next?

If your symptoms include plans or thoughts about harming yourself or another person, contact your doctor or local hospital for help right away.

Also get help right away from your doctor or local hospital if your symptoms include being detached from reality (psychosis) or using too much alcohol or drugs.

Many people with depression delay getting medical advice and treatment. They may believe that it isn't serious. Or they may think that they can get through it on their own. Sometimes people who are deeply depressed feel that nothing will help.

But depression can't be overcome without treatment. In fact, untreated depression can get worse. It can cause other health problems. It can last for years or even a lifetime. And it can have a big impact on both you and the people you care about.

With treatment, symptoms of even major depression may start to improve in a few weeks. Treatments include counseling and medicines. The choice to be evaluated and get treatment is an important first step on the path to feeling better.