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by: ChristineSutherland
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Generally doctors and other health professionals aren't keen on patients' self testing for depression because the checklists can't possibly be thorough enough for accurate diagnosis. Not only can there be other reasons for the depression symptoms, but extreme scores can indicate other psychological problems quite apart from depression.

Up until now the most commonly-used test for depression has been the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), developed by Aaron T Beck many years ago. That test had to be paid for each time it was used, wasn't freely available to the general public, and was quite negatively focussed.

A BETTER MEASURING TOOL FOR DEPRESSION

These days we have the Lifeworks Joy Inventory, developed by The Lifeworks Group Pty Ltd in Perth, Western Australia. It's a very accurate test, and a side benefit is that it's positively oriented, so that the act of taking the test begins to prepare the client to move forward.

The accuracy of the Lifeworks Joy Inventory has been thoroughly tested and mirrors results from other similar depression measurement techniques (such as the MADRS and the client's own SUDS).

A real advantage of using the Lifeworks Joy Inventory is that it was developed as a gift to the field of mental health and there is a commitment to continue providing it completely free of charge.

If you or a loved one suspect depression, go ahead and click the link below so you can take the test online and also read about what else you can do to investigate whether a diagnosis of depression is appropriate.

As explained in the test results, extremes can also be a cause for concern and also need the attention of a doctor and/or psychologist. Whilst a low extreme could be depression, it may also suggest other health problems. A high extreme could indicate an unhealthy denial of life's normal ups and downs.

WHEN YOU'VE GOT YOUR TEST RESULT

Even if your test results appear to be "normal", if you still suspect that you may be depressed, you should certainly still see your doctor because it's neither normal nor healthy to feel that life is significantly unsatisfying. Your doctor will do a thorough physical examination and ask a host of questions about your lifestyle etc to determine if there's any medical problem.

Once you have a proper diagnosis of depression you can embark on treatment knowing that any other medical issues have also been identified and will also be treated.

In following the advice of your health professional, I must nonetheless exhort you not to believe anyone who tells you that you have to learn to live with depression, or that it's difficult to treat. Quite the opposite is the case, as demonstrated by research world wide, and particularly Australian research. You can resolve depression very rapidly indeed, without medication.

For any depression treatment to be effective we need to look at the 17 lifestyle factors that health researchers advise are known to cause or help cause depression. We also need to examine the unconscious thoughts and feelings that underpin depression, and eliminate those quickly and easily using modern therapy techniques.

With a quality lifestyle and strong and healthy thoughts and feelings, the depression rapidly evaporates and the patient quickly moves into a more powerful and satisfying way of life.

About the Author

You might like to check the online, interactive test for depression and receive your results and the meaning of your score range instantly. Be sure to pick up your free copy of the book "17 Solutions" once you've finished your depression test.

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