Getting a Depression Screening? Here’s What to Know Before You Go

Your healthcare provider might recommend you undergo a depression screening, also called a depression test. “Depression screenings are tools utilized by clinicians to test patients and figure out whether or not they have depression, as well as [evaluate] the severity of symptoms,” says Lindsey Ackerman, who is a licensed marriage and family therapist, certified health coach, and the vice president of clinical services at Clear Behavioral Health in Redondo Beach, California.

Along with diagnosing depression, the goal of screening is to identify whether you could benefit from professional mental health treatment. Here, experts explain what to expect.

Why Might I Need a Depression Screening?

“Usually, people undergoing depression screenings have already taken the initial step of reaching out for help as a result of experiencing new or worsening mental health symptoms,” says Ackerman. Screenings are also used throughout the treatment process to gauge the effectiveness of treatment, she says.

You might also be given a depression questionnaire during a routine health checkup at your primary care provider’s office, says Hannah Fox, DNP, a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with Conifer Counseling in Conifer, Colorado. “Depression screening can be a part of an annual physical and is required by some insurance companies,” she says.

What Happens During a Depression Screening?

“Depression screenings can be performed by your primary care provider, a licensed therapist, social worker, professional counselor, psychiatrist, psychologist, or psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner,” says Ackerman.

“The questions during a depression screening may vary but typically focus on a person's mood, energy level, sleep patterns, appetite, focus, and thoughts of self-harm or suicide,” says Brent Nelson, MD , an adult interventional psychiatrist and chief innovation and optimization officer at PrairieCare in St. Paul, Minnesota.

“Over the last 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by any of the following problems?”

• Little interest or pleasure in doing things

It asks you to choose from the following answers:

• not at all (0)
• several days (1)
• more than half the days (2)
• nearly every day (3)

“The scores are added up at the end to determine if you have depression and how severe it is,” says Ackerman.

How Can I Prepare for a Depression Screening?

Depression screenings are very straightforward and require very little preparation before your visit. However, there are a few things that you can do to get the most out of your visit and to mentally prepare yourself for the questions you’ll be asked.

Dr. Nelson suggests that you write down any symptoms that you’ve been experiencing and how long you have noticed them. “It is also helpful to bring along any past medical history and current medications,” he adds.

Try to go to your appointment with an open mind, and be prepared to answer potentially difficult questions honestly. Remember, your provider is there to help you and not to cast judgment. You should try to be completely open with them during these appointments.

I Want to Do a Depression Screening — Now What?

You can call and set up an appointment with your primary care provider — someone you likely already know and trust. Or, you can set up care with someone who specializes in mental health, such as a psychiatrist, psychiatric nurse practitioner, or a licensed therapist. Any of these healthcare professionals can screen for, diagnose, and treat depression.

What Happens After a Depression Screening?

If the results of your depression screening indicate you have depression, your provider may recommend some next steps to help you get professional treatment.

“Treatment for depression may include therapy, psychiatric medications, or recommendations for lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise,” says Dr. Fox.

“Depression is real, common, and treatable,” says Nelson. “There are a variety of options to treat depression, so having access to a provider and starting the treatment process is most important.”