Major depressive disorder, or depression, is a mood disorder characterized by a significant drop in mood, as well as other symptoms, including feelings of hopelessness, guilt, fatigue, irregular eating habits, rumination, and/or suicidal thoughts. The disorder causes a significant impairment in the daily life of those whom it effects. However, it is treatable with medication and/or psychotherapy.

Symptoms of depression
The symptoms of depression can vary from person to person. Some common symptoms include:
● feeling down, guilty, or hopeless
● unhealthy appetite
● poor sleep
● trouble focusing

What Can This App Do For Me?
The Depression Screening Test app is specifically developed to give you a general sense of if your symptoms align with the symptoms of major depressive disorder. It is not a diagnostic test, and you should always consult with your doctor before making any decisions based on information given in this app. The Depression Screening Test utilizes the widely recognized PHQ-9 test to gauge your symptoms and determine if they align with those of major depressive disorder. The Test also allows you to save your results via a graph and chart that can show trends in your results over time.

FAQ About Depression -

How Is Depression Different From Feeling Down?
Depression is different from feeling down in that it is a mental health condition that causes significant distress and often interferes with a person’s ability to function in daily life. People with major depressive disorder often have systemwide symptoms, including concentration issues, suicidal thoughts, lack of interest in daily activities, etc., and this can last for months to years.

While everyone has bad days where they may feel emotionally down or depressed, they do not feel the same level of distress or interference with daily life that people with major depressive disorder experience.

How Is Depression Treated?
Depression can be treated with the help of therapy, whereas some other treatments are also effective in this regard. All these remedies are given below:

1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
One type of therapy that is particularly effective for treating depression is CBT. CBT is a form of psychotherapy which helps one to break negative thought patterns and set goals for their recovery.
2. Medications
In some cases, medications may also be prescribed to help treat major depressive disorder. Commonly prescribed medications include SSRIs and SNRIs. Examples of these medications include Sertraline, Fluoxetine, Paroxetine, and Bupropion. Medications can be an effective treatment for depression when combined with therapy. People with major depressive disorder should always consult a mental health professional to determine if medication is right for them.
3. Therapist Consultation
If you are experiencing symptoms of depression, it is important to consult with a mental health professional to discuss your treatment options. A therapist can help work with you to develop a customized treatment plan that meets your needs.
4. Self-Care
There are also several things that you can do on your own to help manage your depression symptoms. These self-care strategies include :
• Identifying and challenging your negative thoughts
• Practicing relaxation techniques
• Avoiding triggers that exacerbate your symptoms
• Exercising regularly
• Getting enough sleep

Major depressive disorder is a treatable condition, but it often requires a combination of therapy and medication to be effectively managed. Living with depression can be difficult, but there are treatments available that can help you manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life. If you are struggling with depression, contact a mental health professional for help. Always consult a doctor or mental health professional in case of severe symptoms first.