Depression Quiz

How much do you know about depression?

According to National Institute of Mental Health statistics, more than 18 million American adults--about one in ten--are suffering from depression in any given year. Take the quiz below to find out how much you know about this debilitating illness.

Depression is a normal part of getting old.
True False
Incorrect. Depression in an elderly person is not a normal part of aging and should never be ignored.

Correct! Depression in an elderly person is not a normal part of aging and should never be ignored.

A person may be diagnosed as depressed when episodes of sadness and loss of pleasure in normal activities last more than two weeks.
True False
Correct! A mental health professional considers these symptoms and other factors when making a diagnosis of depression.

Incorrect. A mental health professional considers these symptoms and other factors when making a diagnosis of depression.

Challenging a suicidal person is a good way to help him or her "snap out of it."
True False
Incorrect. Helping someone get professional help is the best solution. Call 911 if danger to the person¿s life is imminent.

Correct! Helping someone get professional help is the best solution. Call 911 if danger to the person¿s life is imminent.

For the most part, depression is not treatable.
True False
Incorrect. Medications and psychotherapy are effective treatments for depression.

Correct! Medications and psychotherapy are effective treatments for depression.

Teenage girls are twice as likely to experience depression as boys.
True False
Correct! Between ages 14 and 18, girls are twice as likely to experience depressive episodes as boys

Incorrect. Between ages 14 and 18, girls are twice as likely to experience depressive episodes as boys.

Depression is strictly a mental condition.
True False
Incorrect. Brain chemistry, hormones and other physical conditions can contribute to a sufferer's depression.

Correct! Brain chemistry, hormones and other physical conditions can contribute to a sufferer's depression.

Depression can be the by-product of an illness, virus or the side effect of a medication.
True False
Correct! These are additional examples of physical conditions that cause depression.

Incorrect. These are additional examples of physical conditions that cause depression.

Most depressed individuals recognize their disorder and seek medical treatment.
True False
Incorrect. Most people with a depressive illness do not seek treatment, although the great majority (even severe cases) can be helped

Correct! Most people with a depressive illness do not seek treatment, although the great majority (even severe cases) can be helped

Symptoms of depression include changes in eating and sleeping habits.
True False
Correct! Other symptoms may include restlessness or lethargy, feeling guilty without reason, lack of concentration, difficulty remembering things and making decisions, or thoughts of death or suicide.

Incorrect. Other symptoms may include restlessness or lethargy, feeling guilty without reason, lack of concentration, difficulty remembering things and making decisions, or thoughts of death or suicide.

Early treatment for depression can prevent tremendous suffering.
True False
Correct! Depression interferes with normal functioning and causes pain and suffering not only to those who have a disorder, but also to those who care about them.

Incorrect. Depression interferes with normal functioning and causes pain and suffering not only to those who have a disorder, but also to those who care about them.

Resources at Cedars-Sinai

Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences

For more information on women's health matters, any of the programs and services listed, or a referral to a Cedars-Sinai physician or program, call 1-800-CEDARS-1 (1-800-233-2771)