Depression Screening and Diagnosis in BC

I am often asked about on-line depression, anxiety, ADHD and autism screening tools, and usually warn against their use. The reasons are simple: A diagnosis of depression, anxiety, ADHD or Autism is a difficult thing. In the popular press you read about the problems with "misdiagnosis" all the time, and that is usually because a physician or psychologist haven't taken the time to do a comprehensive differential diagnosis - that is, they haven't attempted to "rule out" other disorders. What looks like depression can be any number of things, including something as simple as the need for a change in sleep habits or diet. But to determine that takes time and a comprehensive history. That takes time and expertise. So I always urge patients to "see your doctor." That being said there is still a cry for some sort of quick screen, and I have found one provided by "heretohelp" in BC to be especially useful, as it allows to to take the information you have put into the screener, print it, and take it with you to the doctor.  Here is the website to use the screener:

http://www.heretohelp.bc.ca/screening/online/?screen=depression

Heretohelp (or here to help's) online screener for depression is first of all anonymous. It doesn't record anything that can identify you as the person completing the form. It takes you through several steps: 1) You provide some information about you , such as gender and age, that are important because it will compare your answers to other questions with norms for gender and age, which change, 2) It then directs you to a type of screener based upon this information - there are different depression screeners for different groups, 3) You will answer questions about your symptoms, and depending upon how you answer these it may direct you to other questions you were not expecting about, for instance, mood disorders or mania, which are important to help with the "rule out" we just discussed, 4) Your results will be shown on the screen and you can print this out and take it to your medical provider.  Remember - an accurate diagnosis for depression or any other psychiatric disorder can only be made by a qualified medical doctor or psychologist! You need a medical examination to rule out many possible causes of your symptoms, but bringing this printout along with you can be very helpful for your physician to know what exams or tests he or she you administer.

Don't diagnose yourself. Don't let your friends diagnoses you because they "know someone with depression" or have had a psychiatric disorder themselves. See your licensed or registered medical professional.

For information about my services as a registered and licensed psychologist please visit my weebsite at www.relatedminds.com  I provide both diagnostic services and treatment interventions for depression, anxiety, ADHD and related disorders.


Dr. Jim Roche
Registered Psychologist