David D. Burns, PhD, of the University of Pennsylvania, a new generation of psychotherapists in the United States, has developed a self-diagnostic form for depression, the Burns Depression Checklist (BDC). This self-diagnostic checklist can help you quickly diagnose whether you have depression. Please rate the items that match your mood: none 0, mild 1, moderate 2, severe 3.
1. Sadness: Do you feel sad or miserable all the time?
2. Discouragement: Do you feel that the outlook is bleak?
3. Lack of self-esteem: Do you feel worthless or think you’re a loser?
4. Low self-esteem: Do you feel overwhelmed or lament that you are no match for others?
5. Guilt: Do you blame yourself for everything?
6. Indecision: Do you hesitate in making decisions?
7. Agitation: Are you in a constant state of anger and resentment during this time?
8. Loss of interest in life: Have you lost interest in your career, family, hobbies or friends?
9. Loss of motivation: Are you feeling down and unmotivated to do things?
10. Poor self-image: Do you think you’ve aged or lost your charm?
11. Changes in appetite: Do you feel a loss of appetite or can’t help but overeat?
12. Sleep changes: Do you suffer from insomnia or feel weak and drowsy throughout the day?
13. Loss of sexual desire: Have you lost interest in sex?
14. Hypochondria: Are you constantly worried about your health?
15. Suicidal impulses: Do you believe that survival is worthless, or that life is worse than death?
After the test, figure out your total score and rate your level of depression.
0 to 4 for no depression;
5 to 10 for occasional depression;
11 to 20 points with mild depression;
21 to 30 points with moderate depression;
31 to 45 points with major depression.
Moderate and severe depression require immediate consultation with a psychological specialist.