What does the depression scale measure?

Depression rating scales are standardized instruments that measure the severity of depression symptoms during a period of time. The scales provide descriptive words and phrases that indicate the severity of depression symptoms.

Is there an objective test for depression?

The two most commonly used assessments are the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). The BDI test was created in 1961 and has been updated several times since then.

What are the two best coping mechanisms to mitigate depression?

Practice positive thinking by focusing your thoughts on your best qualities. You can also make lifestyle changes that can improve your self-esteem, such as eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and spending time with friends who make you feel good about who you are.

What is the depression signal?

The symptoms of depression can range widely, from more commonly understood signs such as persistent sadness, hopelessness, and suicidal tendencies, to lesser known signs like irritability, forgetfulness, and unexplained physical pains.

What are the levels of depression?

Depression can be described as mild, moderate or severe; melancholic or psychotic (see below).

  • Melancholia. This is the term used to describe a severe form of depression where many of the physical symptoms of depression are present.
  • Psychotic depression.
  • Antenatal and postnatal depression.

What is the best scale for depression?

The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) is the most widely used self-rating scale, developed in 1961 by Aaron Beck based on symptoms he observed to be common among depressed patients. The BDI consists of 21 items of emotional, behavioral, and somatic symptoms that takes 5–10 minutes to administer.

What is a PHQ test?

MEASUREMENTS. The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ) is a self-administered version of the PRIME-MD diagnostic instrument for common mental disorders. The PHQ-9 is the depression module, which scores each of the 9 DSM-IV criteria as “0” (not at all) to “3” (nearly every day).

How do psychologists test for depression?

Common Screenings. The most common depression screening tool is the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). It indicates whether an individual has symptoms of depression that may require professional intervention. Through a series of nine questions, symptoms are assessed.

What are 3 strategies you can use to cope with depression?

How to cope with depression

  • Stay in touch. Don’t withdraw from life.
  • Be more active. Take up some form of exercise.
  • Face your fears. Don’t avoid the things you find difficult.
  • Don’t drink too much alcohol. For some people, alcohol can become a problem.
  • Try to eat a healthy diet.
  • Have a routine.

What are the 5 types of coping strategies?

There are many different conceptualizations of coping strategies, but the five general types of coping strategies are problem-focused coping, emotion-focused coping, social support, religious coping, and meaning making.

What are the top 5 symptoms of depression?

5 Most common signs of depression

  • Persistent depressed (low) mood. It’s natural to feel down from time to time.
  • Loss of interest in things you once enjoyed. Sometimes we lose interest in things we used to love.
  • Feelings of worthlessness.
  • Poor concentration.
  • Thoughts of harming yourself.

What are the 5 characteristics of depression?

Despite a huge range of symptoms here are five of the most common characteristics that the majority of people with depression experience:

  • Low mood/low interest in activities enjoyed previously:
  • Trouble concentrating:
  • Changes in appetite or sleep:
  • Feeling hopeless/worthless:
  • Thoughts of suicide:

What are the 4 main causes of depression?

Here are four of the main ones.

  • Genetics. One of the most influential factors in the onset of major depression is outside your control: your genetic code.
  • Substance Abuse.
  • Early Childhood Experiences.
  • Major Life Events (Both Immediate and Prolonged)

What is the most serious form of depression?

Depression ranges in seriousness from mild, temporary episodes of sadness to severe, persistent depression. Clinical depression is the more-severe form of depression, also known as major depression or major depressive disorder.

What is a positive PHQ score?

The PHQ-9 has 9 questions with a score ranging from 0 to 3 for each question (maximum score of 27). A threshold score of 10 or higher is considered to indicate mild major depression, 15 or higher indicates moderate major depression, and 20 or higher severe major depression.

What is a normal PHQ-9 score?

Interpretation

PHQ-9 Score Depression Severity
5 – 9 Mild
10 – 14 Moderate
15 – 19 Moderately Severe
20 – 27 Severe

What is the most severe type of depression?

What things make a person depressed?

For some people, a negative, stressful, or unhappy family atmosphere can lead to depression. Other high-stress living situations — such as poverty, homelessness, or violence — can contribute, too. Dealing with bullying, harassment, or peer pressure leaves some people feeling isolated, victimized, or insecure.

What should I do during a depression?

What are the 7 coping strategies?

7 Emotion-Focused Coping Techniques for Uncertain Times

  • Benefits.
  • Meditation.
  • Journaling.
  • Positive thinking.
  • Forgiveness.
  • Reframing.
  • Talking.
  • Therapy.