Take a Test for Anxiety or Depression
Please remember that these tests can be educational, but they cannot substitute for a clinical diagnosis from your health care provider. Take any tests that interest you, then bring the results to your M.D., psychiatrist or clinical psychologist.
If you are in the United States and are diagnosed with a forms of anxiety or depression, your doctor will most likely want to prescribe an SSRI antidepressant. These are the first line recommended treatments, and are prescribed most commonly.
If you are visiting this website, it is likely that you are interested in alternative treatments and may be concerned at the prospect of taking pharmaceutical medications for your anxiety or depression. If that is the case, then tell your doctor about your concerns and ask if he or she has experience integrating scientifically supported alternative treatments (such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, exercise or St. John's Wort) into their treatment programs. If not, do not be afraid to ask for a referral to a licensed professional who has had success in implementing alternative treatments or in integrating those treatments with more traditional practices.
If you can't get a referral from your usual doctor, try asking other alternative healthcare practitioners, or even your pharmacist. Keep asking until you find the care you want.
You may be able to find a therapist who uses alternative and complimentary treatments though Psychology Today's Therapist Directory.
Symptoms of Depression
* Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood
* Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism
* Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness
* Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed, including sex
* Decreased energy, fatigue, being "slowed down"
* Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions
* Insomnia, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
* Appetite and/or weight changes
* Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts
* Restlessness, irritability
If five or more of these symptoms are present every day for at least two weeks and interfere with routine daily
activities such as work, self-care, and childcare or social life, seek an evaluation for depression.
National Institute of Mental Health |
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