Depression Self-Assessment Test: What It Measures and How to Read It

This screening questionnaire explores four families of depressive symptoms over the past two weeks: mood (sadness, discouragement), anhedonia (loss of interest and pleasure), cognitive symptoms (self-devaluation, guilt, concentration) and somatic symptoms (sleep, appetite, energy). It draws on standard clinical criteria (PHQ-9 type). It is NOT a medical diagnosis: only a health professional can make a diagnosis. If you are having suicidal thoughts, immediately contact 3114 (national helpline, free, 24/7) or 15. Outside France: local emergency services, or findahelpline.com (free international directory).

In the article that follows, I explore low mood and loss of drive. If you recognise yourself in this theme, I designed a depression test that helps you take stock of your mood and morale. It comes with a guide to extend your reflection beyond the results.

Take the test: Depression Self-Assessment → — Over the past two weeks, see where you stand on mood, pleasure, cognition and the body. This is not a diagnosis, only a first benchmark.

What the test measures

• Sadness, discouragement and loss of hope present most of the time.
• Loss of interest and pleasure in activities you usually enjoy.
• Self-devaluation, excessive guilt, difficulty concentrating and deciding.
• Sleep and appetite disturbances, fatigue and slowing down.

How to read your score

The result reads as an intensity, not as a diagnosis:

• Minimal depressive symptoms: Your answers do not point to significant depressive symptoms over the past two weeks. That is a reassuring snapshot. This questionnaire remains a screening tool, not a diagnosis: if your state changes, you can take it again.
• Mild depressive symptoms: Your answers suggest mild depressive symptoms over the past two weeks. Many people go through such periods; they deserve attention without being alarming. Talking to your GP, and taking care of your sleep, your activity and your relationships, are good first steps.
• Moderate depressive symptoms: Your answers indicate moderate depressive symptoms. They describe real suffering that weighs on your daily life. It needs to be said clearly: depression can be treated, and consulting a professional (doctor, psychologist, psychiatrist) is the recommended step. You do not have to wait for it to "pass" on your own.
• Severe depressive symptoms: Your answers place your profile in the highest range of this screening questionnaire, over the past two weeks. This suggests significant depressive suffering that deserves prompt evaluation by a health professional. This test does not make a diagnosis and does not measure an exact "severity": it signals that what you are going through warrants support, without delay. If you are having suicidal thoughts or feel that life is no longer worth living, immediately contact 3114 (the national suicide prevention line, free, confidential, 24/7) or 15. You are not alone, and this state can improve with help.

What your full report contains

The detailed PDF report (from €4.99) includes:

• Introduction: This screening questionnaire explores four families of depressive symptoms over the past two weeks: mood (sadness, discouragement), anhedonia (loss of interest and pleasure), cognitive symptoms (self-devaluation, guilt, concentration) and somatic symptoms (sleep, appetite, energy). It draws on standard clinical criteria (PHQ-9 type).
• Overall Score: Your overall score of {{globalScore}}% summarises your results.
• Dimension-by-Dimension Analysis: Each dimension is analysed individually.
• Recommendations: Personalised recommendations based on your profile.

The first 5 questions are free; the complete, personalised report (your precise score, your dimension profile, your recommendations) is paid.

When to take this test

• You recognise yourself in depression, mood, mental health and want to see things clearly.
• You want a structured reading rather than a vague impression.
• You are looking for an objective starting point before speaking to a professional if needed.

Take the test: Depression Self-Assessment → — 60 questions, anonymous, PDF report (€4.99). 🔗 Analyse your conversations with ScanMyLove — an objective, structured look at the communication patterns in your relationship.

FAQ

How long does the test take? 60 questions, roughly 15 min. The test has 60 questions. Does the test give a diagnosis? No. It measures an intensity and provides benchmarks; only a professional can make a diagnosis. Are my answers confidential? Yes: the test is 100% anonymous and the report is delivered directly to you.

---

👉 Start the Depression Self-Assessment → — 60 questions, immediate result, PDF report, 100% anonymous.