Depression Quiz
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Depression
Anxiety flare ups
Insomnia
Extreme fatigue
Lack of motivation
Feeling down
Feeling depressed for no reason
Poor concentration
I lost interest in everything
Perpetual sadness
Malaise
Lack of energy
Not seeing your symptoms? No worries!
What is Depression?
Depression is a mental illness that leads to low mood, reduced energy levels, and changes in sleep. This affects everyday activities like attending school and work. As the condition worsens, patients might have suicidal thoughts. Although stress and past trauma can cause depression, it can take time to identify and address causes, and genetic factors may also be at play.
Typical Symptoms of Depression
- Having suicidal thoughts
- Stressed over daily life
- Headache worsens in crowded places
- Fatigue or low energy that is worse in the morning
- Headache that worsens with emotional stress or anxiety
- Decreased motivation
- Recent changes in mental state
- Headache that worsens with lack of sleep
Diagnostic Questions for Depression
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this disease:
- Do you frequently think about harming or killing yourself?
- Do you feel stressed or unhappy about going to work or school?
- Does your headache worsen in crowded places?
- Do you experience fatigue or low energy that is worse in the morning?
- Does your headache worsen when you experience emotional stress or anxiety?
Treatment of Depression
Treatment typically involves a combination of counseling therapy, life changes, and medications (antidepressants). A strong support network is helpful, as the recovery process can take months or even years.
Reviewed By:
Weston S. Ferrer, MD (Psychiatry)
Weston Ferrer is a physician leader, psychiatrist, and clinical informaticist based in San Francisco. With nearly a decade of experience in academia and more recent immersion in industry, he has made significant contributions to the fields of digital health, health tech, and healthcare innovation. | As an Associate Professor at UCSF, Weston was involved in teaching, leadership, and clinical practice, focusing on the intersection of technology and mental health. He recently led mental health clinical for Verily (formerly Google Life Sciences), where he applied his expertise to develop innovative solutions for mental healthcare using the tools of AI/ML, digital therapeutics, clinical analytics, and more.. | Weston is known for his unique ability to innovate and support product development while bringing pragmatism to technology entrepreneurship. He is a strong advocate for patient-centered care and is committed to leveraging technology to improve the health and well-being of individuals and communities. |
Yu Shirai, MD (Psychiatry)
Dr. Shirai works at the Yotsuya Yui Clinic for mental health treatment for English and Portuguese-speaking patients. He treats a wide range of patients from neurodevelopmental disorders to dementia in children and participates in knowledge sharing through the Diversity Clinic.
Content updated on Oct 18, 2024
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With a free 3-min Depression quiz, powered by Ubie's AI and doctors, find possible causes of your symptoms.
This questionnaire is customized to your situation and symptoms, including the following personal information:
Biological Sex - helps us provide relevant suggestions for male vs. female conditions.
Age - adjusts our guidance based on any age-related health factors.
History - considers past illnesses, surgeries, family history, and lifestyle choices.
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✔ When to see a doctor
✔︎ What causes your symptoms
✔︎ Treatment information etc.
People with similar symptoms also use Ubie's symptom checker to find possible causes
- Depression with suicidal thoughts
- Considering suicide
- Suicide attempt thoughts
- Want to hurt myself
- Increased alcohol or drug use
- Feel like life is not worth living
- No reason to live
- Death thoughts
- Feeling hopeless
- Overwhelming sadness
- No motivation to do anything
- Racing thoughts about death
See full list
User Testimonials for Depression
Female, Teens
Ubie helped me with understanding my mental health symptoms and feelings, by providing me with great results. It made me feel less worried and anxious about what else my symptoms could mean. I would definitely use this service in the future and recommend this to a family member, friend or co-worker.
(May 1, 2025)
Female, Teens
Ubie helped me obtain the right care I needed by its very detailed description of my symptoms and the possible conditions I could have. I was able to understand my symptoms before seeing a professional. The doctor is going to ask you for your symptoms, and I would've had a hard time describing them without Ubie. I had various symptoms such as forgetfulness, suicidal ideation, mania preceding a depressive episode, no motivation, feelings of grief, low self esteem, decreased energy levels, history of self harm, among others. I originally went to my doctor and she referred me to the psychiatrist. Ultimately, Ubie helped me find out what I don't know about myself, and that way I could get the help that I needed.
(Feb 25, 2025)
Female, Teens
I have many symptoms and am in the middle of getting diagnosed and treated for depression, hypothyroidism and an ovarian cyst. Ubie helped me to figure out if what I'm feeling is derealization or not. It also helped me with finding doctors that specialized in treating my mental health symptoms.
(Feb 8, 2025)
Symptoms Related to Depression
Diseases Related to Depression
FAQs
Q.
Feeling Low? Why Your Brain Is Lacking Endorphins & Medical Next Steps
A.
Feeling low can reflect reduced endorphin activity that influences mood, motivation, and pain, and it often coexists with chronic stress, depression, poor sleep, inactivity, chronic pain conditions, or substance use. Start with consistent exercise, better sleep, and social connection, and see a clinician for depression screening and checks for thyroid, anemia, and vitamin or hormone problems, with therapy or medication as needed; seek urgent help if you have thoughts of self harm. There are several factors to consider, and important details are outlined below.
References:
* Chavkin, C., & Bohn, L. M. (2020). The role of the endogenous opioid system in the neurobiology of depression. *British Journal of Pharmacology, 177*(3), 543–551.
* Lutz, P. E., & Kieffer, B. L. (2018). Endogenous opioid system and mood disorders: A review. *Translational Psychiatry, 8*(1), 227.
* Lener, M. S., & Iosifescu, D. V. (2019). The Opioid System in Mood and Anxiety Disorders: A Review of Emerging Research and Therapeutic Implications. *Current Psychiatry Reports, 21*(7), 54.
* Micevych, P. E., & M. Christensen, R. (2018). Targeting the opioid system for the treatment of depression. *Neuropharmacology, 140*, 147–156.
* Yang, T., Zhang, Y., Han, S., Cao, J., & Guo, Q. (2021). Dysregulation of the endogenous opioid system in major depressive disorder: a promising therapeutic target. *Molecular Psychiatry, 26*(10), 5489–5504.
Q.
Feeling Stuck? How to Deal With Depression: Medically Approved Next Steps
A.
Depression is common and treatable; next steps include talking to a healthcare professional to confirm the diagnosis and rule out medical causes, considering evidence-based therapy and antidepressants, and building small daily supports like better sleep, brief movement, balanced meals, sunlight, connection, and micro-goals. There are several safety and personalization factors to consider, including tracking progress, avoiding alcohol or stopping treatment early, using a symptom check, and seeking urgent help for suicidal thoughts or severe symptoms; see the complete, step-by-step guidance below for details that can shape your next care decisions.
References:
* National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Depression in adults: recognition and management [NG222]. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE); 2022 Jun 29. PMID: 35839088.
* Gartlehner G, Wagner G, Thieda P, et al. Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder in Adults: A Systematic Review. Rockville (MD): Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (US); 2022 Jul. (Comparative Effectiveness Reviews, No. 257.) PMID: 35914041.
* Rush AJ, Trivedi MH. Major Depressive Disorder: Diagnosis and Management. Med Clin North Am. 2022 Mar;106(2):269-291. doi: 10.1016/j.mcna.2021.11.002. Epub 2022 Jan 10. PMID: 35183389.
* Freeman MP, Wampers M, Fava M. The American Psychiatric Association Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Patients With Major Depressive Disorder. Focus (Am Psychiatr Publ). 2021 Jul;19(3):282-290. doi: 10.1176/appi.focus.19302. PMID: 34335446.
* Katon W, Unützer J. Integrated Care for Mental Health and Chronic Medical Conditions. N Engl J Med. 2021 Dec 16;385(25):2378-2388. doi: 10.1056/NEJMcp2109605. PMID: 34914282.
Q.
Still Depressed? Why TMS Therapy Resets Your Brain & Next Medical Steps
A.
If depression persists after medication or therapy, TMS therapy is a non-invasive option that stimulates underactive mood circuits to reset brain activity, with about 50 to 60 percent improving and 30 to 40 percent reaching remission. There are several factors to consider; see below for key details that can shape your best next step. See below for guidance on reassessing diagnosis, optimizing medications, considering TMS candidacy, strengthening lifestyle supports, insurance coverage, and when to seek immediate help if you have thoughts of self-harm.
References:
* Chen J, Qu R, Cao X, Shan Y, Wang Z, Li M, Ma H, Wang H. Efficacy of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for the treatment of depression: a meta-analysis. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2017 Jul 18;13:1977-1987. doi: 10.2147/NDT.S139023. PMID: 28761271; PMCID: PMC5529450.
* Du L, Sun X, Liu X, Li Y. Mechanisms of action of transcranial magnetic stimulation for depression: An updated review. Front Psychiatry. 2023 Feb 15;14:1120017. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1120017. PMID: 36873528; PMCID: PMC9975765.
* Micallef J, Carman J, Lim T, Tan J, Hirst J, Tye J. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for treatment-resistant major depressive disorder: a review of efficacy, safety, and treatment protocols. Expert Rev Neurother. 2021 Aug;21(8):929-943. doi: 10.1080/14737175.2021.1925340. Epub 2021 May 17. PMID: 33908865.
* Han X, Li D, Chen Z, Huang H, Lu Y. Long-term efficacy and safety of transcranial magnetic stimulation for major depressive disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Affect Disord. 2021 Nov 1;294:446-455. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2021.07.037. Epub 2021 Aug 1. PMID: 34364239.
* Perera T, George MS, Morales O, Dowd SM, Alonzo A, Borckardt JJ; Clinical TMS Society. The Clinical TMS Society Consensus Review and Treatment Recommendations for TMS Therapy for Major Depressive Disorder, Updated Version 2021. J Clin Psychiatry. 2021 Jul 20;82(4):21cs14032. doi: 10.4088/JCP.21cs14032. PMID: 34293049.
Q.
Is It Clinical Depression? Why Your Brain Is Stuck & Medical Next Steps
A.
Clinical depression is a treatable medical condition marked by a persistently low mood or loss of interest for at least two weeks that disrupts daily life, and that “stuck” feeling often reflects changes in neurotransmitters, stress hormones, and brain circuits. There are several factors and next steps to consider, including ruling out medical look-alikes with a doctor, using symptom checks to organize concerns, and pursuing proven care like therapy, medication, and supportive routines; seek immediate care for any suicidal thoughts. For important details that can shape your personal plan, see below.
References:
* Malhi GS, Mann JJ. Major Depressive Disorder. Lancet. 2018 Nov 10;392(10160):2299-2312. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(18)31940-9. PMID: 30415840.
* Duman RS, Aghajanian GK, Krystal JH, Sanacora G. The neurobiology of depression: from synaptogenesis to genomic integrity. Mol Psychiatry. 2021 May;26(5):1618-1637. doi: 10.1038/s41380-020-00913-9. PMID: 33184428.
* Rush AJ, et al. Pharmacological and neurostimulation treatments for major depressive disorder: a review of the evidence and expert opinions. J Psychiatr Res. 2022 Nov;155:273-289. doi: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.08.038. Epub 2022 Aug 23. PMID: 36055106.
* Cipriani A, Furukawa TA, Salanti G, Chaimani A, Atkinson LZ, Ogawa Y, Takeshima N, Yamada H, Imai H, Shinohara H, Hamatani S, Koseki Y, Nakagawa A, Tajika A, Watanabe N, Leucht S, Geddes JR. Major Depressive Disorder in Adults: A Review. JAMA. 2018 Apr 17;319(14):1462-1475. doi: 10.1001/jama.2018.0673. PMID: 29677536.
* Krystal JH, Sanacora G, Duman RS. Emerging mechanisms and rapid-acting treatments for depression. Nat Med. 2019 Aug;25(8):1199-1212. doi: 10.1038/s41591-019-0524-2. PMID: 31391583.
Q.
Brain Fog? Why Your Serotonin is Muted + Medically Approved Steps
A.
Brain fog can reflect muted or dysregulated serotonin that disrupts sleep, stress response, and mood, but there are several factors to consider, including thyroid disease, iron or B12 or vitamin D deficiency, perimenopause, inflammation, sleep apnea, and medication effects. Medically approved steps include consistent sleep, morning sunlight, regular movement, balanced nutrition and gut care, therapy, and when appropriate clinician guided SSRIs, plus knowing red flags and which labs prompt a doctor visit; see below for the complete guidance, checklists, and safety cautions that could change your next steps.
References:
* Berger M, Gray JA, Roth BL. The Role of Serotonin in Cognition. Cell. 2009;138(6):1227-1237. doi:10.1016/j.cell.2009.09.007.
* Paul L, Mück S, Fendt M. The serotonin system in cognitive function and dysfunction. Prog Neurobiol. 2023 Feb;221:102377. doi: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2022.102377. Epub 2022 Oct 11.
* Nierenberg J, Kordower JH, Dodiya HB. A potential role for tryptophan and serotonin in neuroinflammation-induced cognitive dysfunction. Brain Res Bull. 2021 Apr;170:1-12. doi: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2021.02.004. Epub 2021 Feb 23.
* Tizabi Y, et al. Serotonin and dopamine systems in the brain: From neurodevelopmental disorders to psychiatric diseases. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. 2021 Jun 8;109:110255. doi: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2021.110255. Epub 2021 Jan 18.
* Llopis N, et al. Pharmacological modulation of the serotonin 5-HT6 receptor improves cognitive dysfunction in neurodegenerative disorders. Br J Pharmacol. 2020 Jan;177(1):154-173. doi: 10.1111/bph.14856. Epub 2019 Oct 14.
Q.
Feeling Detached? Why Your Brain Mutes Oxytocin & Medical Next Steps
A.
Feeling detached can reflect muted oxytocin signaling driven by chronic stress, depression, trauma, relationship strain or isolation, hormonal changes including thyroid issues, and some medical or neurological conditions. There are several factors to consider; see below for how oxytocin fits within broader brain chemistry and which symptoms point to an underlying disorder. Medical next steps include a primary care evaluation for thyroid and vitamin problems, mental health screening, evidence based therapy, and when appropriate medication, with urgent care if symptoms are severe or involve self harm thoughts; full step by step guidance and key red flags are outlined below.
References:
* Hurlemann, R., & Grinevich, V. (2019). Oxytocin and Social Cognition in Psychiatric Disorders: From Basic Science to Clinical Trials. Biological Psychiatry, 85(2), 101-112.
* Olff, M., Frijling, J. L., & van Zuiden, M. (2018). The Role of Oxytocin in Social Dysfunction: Animal Models and Human Studies. Current Topics in Behavioral Neurosciences, 35, 127-142.
* Grinevich, V., & Neumann, I. D. (2019). Oxytocin in the Neurobiology of Stress and Social Behavior: From Basic Mechanisms to Therapeutic Perspectives. Progress in Brain Research, 249, 1-24.
* Heinrichs, M., & Domes, G. (2020). Oxytocin and Vasopressin in Social Cognition: From Molecular Mechanisms to Therapeutic Potential. Current Topics in Behavioral Neurosciences, 45, 1-20.
* Guastella, A. J., & MacLeod, C. (2018). Translational potential of oxytocin in human social cognition. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 22(1), 74-82.
Q.
Heavy Fog? Why Your Brain Is Stuck and How Lexapro Resets Calm + Next Steps
A.
That heavy, stuck brain fog often comes from depression or anxiety where serotonin signaling and stress circuits are dysregulated; Lexapro, an SSRI, can gradually rebalance these pathways to ease worry and lift mood, focus, and sleep over several weeks. There are several factors to consider for safe and effective use, including the expected timeline, common and urgent side effects, who should avoid it, how to start or taper, lifestyle and therapy supports, and what to do if it does not work; see the complete guidance below to choose the right next steps with a clinician.
References:
* Mazza, M., De Berardis, D., Mencacci, C., Marini, S., & Bria, P. (2012). The effects of escitalopram on cognitive functions in patients with major depressive disorder: a review. *Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences*, *66*(6), 466-476. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23167448/
* Baune, B. T., & Renger, H. G. (2014). The effect of escitalopram on cognitive symptoms in major depressive disorder. *Current Medical Research and Opinion*, *30*(7), 1335-1345. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24641470/
* Millan, M. J., Agid, Y., Brédart, S., Carlsson, A., Carvalho, A. F., Cicin-Sain, L., ... & Young, A. H. (2018). Cognitive dysfunction in psychiatric disorders: characteristics, causes and treatments. *Nature Reviews Drug Discovery*, *17*(2), 119-147. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29199346/
* McIntyre, R. S., Best, H., Bowie, C. R., Florea, I., Loft, H., & Muller, N. (2013). The effects of escitalopram on cognitive function in patients with major depressive disorder and subjective cognitive complaints. *European Neuropsychopharmacology*, *23*(12), 1642-1651. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23727096/
* Leonard, B. E. (2007). The HPA axis and the serotonin system: an overview. *European Neuropsychopharmacology*, *17*(Suppl 2), S85-S94. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17382455/
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Link to full study:
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.08.29.24312810v1References
Alexopoulos GS. Depression in the elderly. Lancet. 2005 Jun 4-10;365(9475):1961-70. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(05)66665-2. PMID: 15936426.
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(05)66665-2/fulltextZhang Y, Chen Y, Ma L. Depression and cardiovascular disease in elderly: Current understanding. J Clin Neurosci. 2018 Jan;47:1-5. doi: 10.1016/j.jocn.2017.09.022. Epub 2017 Oct 21. PMID: 29066229.
https://www.jocn-journal.com/article/S0967-5868(16)30628-2/fulltextWang YP, Gorenstein C. Psychometric properties of the Beck Depression Inventory-II: a comprehensive review. Braz J Psychiatry. 2013 Oct-Dec;35(4):416-31. doi: 10.1590/1516-4446-2012-1048. Epub 2013 Dec 23. PMID: 24402217.
https://www.scielo.br/j/rbp/a/84pk6g6z4FVyGtkncK4m6XR/?lang=enHammen C. Risk Factors for Depression: An Autobiographical Review. Annu Rev Clin Psychol. 2018 May 7;14:1-28. doi: 10.1146/annurev-clinpsy-050817-084811. Epub 2018 Jan 12. PMID: 29328780.
https://www.annualreviews.org/doi/10.1146/annurev-clinpsy-050817-084811Greenberg J, Tesfazion AA, Robinson CS. Screening, diagnosis, and treatment of depression. Mil Med. 2012 Aug;177(8 Suppl):60-6. doi: 10.7205/milmed-d-12-00102. PMID: 22953442.
https://academic.oup.com/milmed/article/177/suppl_8/60/4345395