Butler offers Web-based depression screening

PROVIDENCE – In recognition of National Depression Screening Day this Friday, Oct. 10, Butler Hospital is encouraging people who are concerned about depression to take a free, confidential, Web-based screening at www.butler.org.
Although not a substitute for a complete evaluation, the hospital said in a news release, the screening helps people identify the signs and symptoms of depression and will indicate whether a person might want to discuss his or her situation with a professional.
Depression is one of the most common medical conditions in the United States, affecting an estimated 18.8 million adults per year. It can cause problems with eating and sleeping and affect how people feel about themselves and their relationships with family and friends.
Depression also frequently co-occurs with disorders such as anxiety, attention deficit disorder, disruptive behaviors, substance abuse, and medical illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease. Symptoms may include:
• Persistent sad, anxious or “empty” moods.
• Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed, including sex.
• Decreased energy, fatigue, and feeling “slowed down.”
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering and making decisions.
• Insomnia, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping.
• Appetite and/or weight loss as well as overeating and/or weight gain.
• Thoughts of death or suicide, and possibly suicide attempts.
• Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders and chronic pain.
Left untreated, depression can cause people to suffer for months or years and can worsen over time. Many effective medications and therapies are available, however; most patients do best with a combination of medication and therapy, the hospital said.
Butler’s Web site also offers other free, confidential mental health screenings, for problems such as bipolar disorder, alcohol addiction, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder.