Depression Quiz

Take this quiz as it could help solidify your knowledge of depression and maybe even teach you something you didn't know. Read the question first, select the answer that seems the most accurate from the choices given. The correct answer will be provided along with some additional information on the same topic. It might be helpful to retake the quiz after reading over the additional material. Good luck!

Question 1: Which of these behaviors characterizes depression?
a. cynicism
b. unexplained aggression
c. loss of interest in all things
d. rapid mood swings

Question 2: Depression peaks at certain life stages. People in which age group are likely to experience it most often?
a. 16 to 24
b. 25 to 44
c. 45 to 49
d. 50 and older

Question 3: A major cause of depression in women is the inability to express or handle:
a. anger
b. sadness
c. jealousy
d. competitiveness

Question 4: Which of these self-help measures often relieves depression?
a. staying up all night
b. drawing
c. exercising
d. all of the above

Question5: Which of these should you avoid if you're depressed?
a. a romantic relationship
b. a job change
c. major decisions
d. self-analysis

Question 6: Which of these are signs your depression is serious enough to warrant professional help?
a. difficulty concentrating or remembering things
b. constant fatigue or listlessness
c. feeling blue
d. a and b

Question 7: How should you respond to a depressed person?
a. be upbeat
b. listen
c. encourage the person to spend time alone
d. keep the person company but don't talk about the depression

Question 8: Which of these approaches will do more harm than good when you're trying to help a depressed person?
a. offering solutions
b. scheduling leisure activities
c. overanalyzing the problem
d. a and c

Question 9: Proper nutrition may improve your state of mind. Which of these vitamins may help alleviate depressed moods?
a. Vitamin C
b. Vitamin B-complex
c. Vitamin A
d. Vitamin E

Question 10: Depression and other mood disorders cost the United States how much in lost work time?
a. $10 million
b. $16 million
c. $4 billion
d. $16 billion

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ANSWERS:

A1: The correct answer is C. Loss of interest in all things, which usually causes sleeping and eating patterns to suffer. Brief periods of depression are normal.

A2: The correct answer is B. 25 to 44
Women are twice as likely as men to get depressed.

A3: The correct answer is A. Anger

A4: The correct answer is D. All of the above
Staying up or sleeping only part of the night resets the biological clock, providing temporary relief from insomnia. Drawing helps you express emotions. Exercising produces norepinephrine, which boosts energy and motivation.

A5: The correct answer is C. Major decisions
Put them off until your depression lifts.

A6: The correct answer is D. a and b
Seek help if you experience these problems for more than two weeks.

A7: The correct answer is B. listen
Ask what is wrong if someone seems depressed. Be a sounding board; it may help the person determine what triggered the depression.

A8: The correct answer is D. a and c

A9: The correct answer is B. Vitamin B-complex
L-tyrosine, an amino acid that converts to norepinephrine in the body, is also helpful, according to Priscilla Slagle, M.D., at the UCLA School of Medicine.

A10: The correct answer is D. $16 billion
People suffering from severe depression take more time off from work than those who suffer from hypertension, diabetes and other chronic conditions.