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Looking for information about depression screening? We have you covered.

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Need to know more about depression screening? We’ve got you covered.

Depression is a treatable condition that’s different from grief or sadness. It’s a mood disorder that affects how a person acts, feels and thinks. Depression occurs across all ages, demographic groups, races and socioeconomic regions, though it’s more common in some groups.

Common risk factors include adverse childhood experiences, family history, low socioeconomic status and stressful life events. In addition, people assigned female at birth (AFAB) are twice as likely to be diagnosed.* People in the LGBTQ+ community are at greater risk of mental health issues,* including depression. People with chronic or terminal health conditions are also at higher risk of diagnosis.

What is a depression screening?

A depression screening can help figure out if someone is dealing with depression. The screening involves a series of questions. Based on the screening results, the provider can gather additional information and determine if a person has depression. If they do, a health care provider can develop a treatment plan.

What symptoms can occur with depression?

Depression is different for everyone, but there are some common symptoms:*

  • Anxiety
  • Fatigue
  • Feeling worthless or guilty
  • Forgetfulness
  • Insomnia
  • Irritability or frustration
  • Lack of energy
  • Loss of appetite
  • Loss of interest in activities or hobbies
  • Restlessness
  • Self-harm
  • Sleep issues
  • Thoughts of suicide
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Weight gain or loss

If a person has experienced these symptoms nearly every day for two weeks or the symptoms affect their daily life, they may have a depressive disorder.

Getting help

A MinuteClinic provider can perform a depression screening. They will ask about a person’s feelings and mood as well as eating and sleep habits. They can order laboratory tests to rule out other health conditions. If someone is diagnosed with depression, a health care provider can help them develop a treatment plan.

  1. You may have to answer a few questions to help us prepare for your visit prior to scheduling your appointment.

  2. Check-in varies depending on how you scheduled your appointment:

    If you made your appointment online:
    Check in using the email or text message we sent to confirm your appointment. If you prefer to check in using the electronic kiosk, make sure you have your confirmation code.

    If you made your appointment in the clinic:
    Sign in at the electronic kiosk.

    If you made a MinuteClinic Virtual Care® appointment:
    To join your virtual visit, use the link in the email or text message we sent you to confirm your appointment. Please join 15 minutes before your scheduled visit time. You will need your date of birth, email address and phone number to join the visit.

  3. When it’s time for your appointment, a provider will call your name.
  4. Your provider will conduct a thorough examination based on your reason for visit, presenting symptoms and health history. Charges will be based on examination and services provided during the visit.
  5. At the end of your visit, you are provided with a visit summary, receipt and educational material. At your request, we can send your primary care provider information about your visit.

Frequently asked questions

If someone has experienced symptoms of depression for more than two weeks, they should get a screening. If they’re diagnosed with depression, a health care provider may want regular check-ins.

A specialist can diagnose specific forms of depression:*

  • Clinical depression is the most common type of depression.
    • Major depressive disorder: experienced symptoms of depression nearly every day for over two weeks.
    • Prenatal depression: depression that appears and persists during pregnancy.
    • Postpartum depression: depression that starts within four weeks of delivering a baby.
    • Seasonal affective disorder: depression that starts in the fall and stops in the spring.
  • Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder: causes extreme anger and intense irritability in children.
  • Persistent depressive disorder: a milder form of depression that lasts for at least two years.

Other mental disorders, such as anxiety, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, may have depression as a symptom, but they are a different illness.

Depression is one of the most treatable mental health conditions.* It’s usually treated with a combination of prescription medication and therapy. The treatment length depends on the cause and type of depression.

A MinuteClinic provider can perform a depression screening. They will ask about a person’s feelings and mood as well as eating and sleep habits. They can order laboratory tests to rule out other health conditions. If someone is diagnosed with depression, their primary care provider can help them develop a treatment plan.

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IMPORTANT! PLEASE READ: This material is for reference only and should not be used to determine treatment for specific medical conditions. Please visit a health care provider for evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of any symptoms you may be experiencing. If you’re experiencing a medical emergency, please dial 911 or visit your local emergency department.

 

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