[The Fox & the Hound]

Ok. So, lately I've been taking these depression tests . They all say I have major depression. I'm not sure if I do, or not. I keep taking them. I don't know why. I just do.

Question is- how accurate are these tests

ETA: Is it bad to self diagnose?

[Hellion]

Well test are sort of subjective and cannot provide one with a specific diagnoses of any kind. However based on some of your posts it seems likely, since it seems like you've been having trouble with feeling depressed....and from what I understand its rather ongoing.

Most people self diagnoses in a way before getting a real diagnoses...at leas people speculate what the problem is before going to see a professional really. But yeah only way to get an official diagnoses is go to a professional...but if you've been having symptoms of depression for any significant period of time there is a good chance you'd qualify for a diagnoses.

[8thstreetbungalow]

"self diagnosing" Is only a bad thing if you don't go to a professional and get a real diagnosis because you yourself on convinced your right.

Otherwise its a really good learning expierence and you get lots of insight on possible medical issues you should tell your psychiatrist about.

[archipelago]

I don't see a problem with knowing more about a diagnosis and clarifying what you can see as your symptoms, but I wouldn't put too much faith in online tests really. Reading here or reading about the criteria for a disorder is a better way to become acquainted with it.

Actual diagnosis is a complicated and sometimes delicate matter. There are many different ways to do it. Some people do use various kinds of tests to help assess someone. These tests though need training and scoring to produce reliable results. And still they need to be interpreted by means of clinical skills.

A large number of providers use an intake interview/information to make a provisional diagnosis that then they refine or adjust. Some people are anti-diagnosis, but still provide one due to pressures from outside. It really depends. And clients vary widely on what having a diagnosis means to them.

[Terabithia]

If I went by the tests on this site, I would be BPD, OCD, Neurotic, ADD, and my professional diagnosis of Schizoaffective Disorder. I think a lot of symptoms of other illnesses may also be symptoms of the illness a doctor might diagnose you with. I think it's best to go to a professional, and then that way you can be treated for the exact problems you have.

[Joeygn72]

I agree with terabithia. Also there are several types of depression not just major depression and it's difficult to know which is which unless you know what to look for.

I knew I had dissociation but until I was seen for a number of months by my T. did we know the extent of my dissociation.

[amandalouise]

Originally Posted by The Fox & the Hound

Ok. So, lately I've been taking these depression tests . They all say I have major depression. I'm not sure if I do, or not. I keep taking them. I don't know why. I just do.

Question is- how accurate are these tests

ETA: Is it bad to self diagnose?

online tests are not accurate. they are outdated versions that are no longer used and are missing key components to the diagnostic process. those tests online can only measure where your mind is at, at that very moment of taking the test. And they dont take into consideration that more than one mental disorder shares the same symptom....the tests online are all manipulated to report you have what ever the problem is its testing for...

example

for the heck of it my wife and I took a test that was supposed to diagnosed erectile dysfunction. it told us we had that problem...quite interesting since we are both female and do not have the physiological equipment to have this problem.

I took an online depression test. it told me I had it but the reality was my problem was physical not mental (I was pregnant and anemic which shared the same symptoms as depression)

I took the sanity score test many times in one day and each time it told me I had scored differently with the higher scoring range to be a different mental disorder.

I took the online version of DES (a dissociative disorders test) it told me I had scored as having dissociative problems but the reality was at the moment i took the test I was having problems related to a physical health issue called multiple sclerosis not a dissociative problem.

if you really want accurate diagnosis you will need to contact your treatment providers. they can administer or refer you to one that can administer accurate diagnostic testing.