Prozac.com - Take a Depression Self-Assessment Test

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Take a Self-Assessment Test

Easy to use quiz to help you determine if you may be depressed and chart your symptoms and treatment.

The Zung Depression Self-Assessment Test, based on the Zung Self-Rating Scale, is a widely used depression screening tool that is recognized by physicians worldwide. Although designed as a screening tool, it has been adapted to track your score over time as well.

This tool also provides a unique message based on your specific length of treatment (see sample result and message below).

Feeling Better is Not Enough
Guidelines established by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) stress the importance of continuing antidepressant therapy for at least 6 to 12 months to minimize the chance of renewed suffering due to relapse or recurrence. If you start to think, "I can handle this without the help of medicine," you are not alone. Many people make the mistake of stopping their medicine once they begin to feel better.

Once the symptoms of depression begin to go away, it is easy to forget that depression may result from a chemical imbalance in the brain. Avoid the danger of relapse. If you doubt that depression could result from a chemical imbalance, try to remember all the times when you tried to "snap out of it" without the help of a doctor and effective treatment.

Your physician has probably treated many patients for depression. Rely on your physician's judgment and experience; continue with treatment until you both agree that it is time to stop.

"Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall."

-- Confucius

Help Your Doctor Help You
The Zung Depression Self-Assessment Test is a general gauge of depression and mood, and in no way should be used as a substitute for the clinical expertise of a trained healthcare provider. This tool is best used in conjuction with the active participation of your doctor. Showing your doctor a printout of your Zung Depression Self-Assessment score over time may help him or her make better and more informed decisions about your treatment.

Click here to just take the test. It's anonymous, and only you will know your score.