Introduction
Whether for heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes or depression, health screenings provide a quick and easy way to spot the first signs of serious illness and can reach people who might not otherwise seek professional medical advice.
Major depression is one of the most common mental illnesses, affecting 6.7% (more than 16 million) of American adults each year.
Like screenings for other illnesses, depression screenings should be a routine part of healthcare.
Why Screen for Depression?
- Clinical depression is a serious medical illness.
- Clinical depression can lead to suicide.
- Sometimes people with depression mistakenly believe that the symptoms of depression are a “normal part of life.”
- Clinical depression affects men and women of all ages, races and socioeconomic groups.
- Only about a third (35.3%) of those suffering from severe depression seek treatment from a mental health professional.
- Depression can co-occur and complicate other medical conditions.
- Screenings are often the first step in getting help.
Who Should Get Screened?
People suffering from depression often experience some of these key symptoms:
- A persistent sad, anxious or ’empty’ mood.
- Sleeping too little, early morning awakening, or sleeping too much.
- Reduced appetite and weight loss, or increased appetite and weight gain.
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed.
- Restlessness or irritability.
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions.
- Fatigue or loss of energy.
- Thoughts of death or suicide.
Screenings are not a Professional Diagnosis
Screenings point out the presence or absence of depressive symptoms and provide a referral for further evaluation if needed.
You should see a medical professional or a qualified mental health professional if you experience five or more of the above symptoms for longer than two weeks or if the symptoms are severe enough to interfere with your daily routine.
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