Are Online Depression Tests Accurate?
Lindsay Knake
| 3 min read
Lindsay Knake is a brand journalist for Blue Cross B...
Key Takeaways
- Online depression tests can offer insight into symptoms but are not a substitute for a professional diagnosis.
- Online depression tests can offer insight into symptoms but are not a substitute for a professional diagnosis. Reputable screenings, such as those from Mental Health America and the Child Mind Institute, are more reliable than unverified sources.
- Online depression tests can offer insight into symptoms but are not a substitute for a professional diagnosis. Reputable screenings, such as those from Mental Health America and the Child Mind Institute, are more reliable than unverified sources. Only trained health care providers can diagnose and treat depression, and immediate help is available through crisis lines and behavioral health access numbers.
About one in six American adults will experience depression in their lifetimes, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
If you are struggling with depression symptoms, you may turn to an online search to see whether your symptoms are feelings of malaise or a sign of a more serious mental health problem. You can find many of these tests with a simple search, but how do you know if they are accurate? Learn more about the effects of depression, the accuracy of online screenings and where to find help.
How depression can make functioning difficult
Fatigue, trouble concentrating and feelings of helplessness or worthlessness are common with depression. You may have trouble with simple actions such as getting out of bed, basic hygiene and eating. Making a phone call to set up a doctor’s appointment may seem like an impossible task, and you may also have dark thoughts telling you you’re making the symptoms up entirely.
An online screening that doesn’t involve leaving your home may be an easier way to start getting help. Online screenings can provide the clarity or validation you need to talk to a health care provider. However, they are not a diagnosis from a physician or mental health professional. It is important to not diagnose yourself with a mental health condition.
What to look for in an online depression screening
The best way to get an assessment of your mental health is by visiting your primary care provider (PCP), who can administer basic screening questions for anxiety and depression.
If you want to try an online screening first, look for one from a reputable organization rather than a media article or company, which may not be reviewed by health professionals or has a goal of selling you a service. These screenings may not provide any information about their validity.
Mental Health America offers a peer-reviewed online screening developed by researchers. The Child Mind Institute offers an online symptom checker for children and teens.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers a national hotline that offers treatment referral and information and a crisis service hotline.
These screenings with ask about depression symptoms in the past two weeks, such as:
- Interest in hobbies and activities
- Fatigue levels
- Changes in sleep
- Changes in appetite
- Feelings of worthlessness
Although Artificial Intelligence (AI) chatbots are becoming increasingly popular for help with mental health, these tools are not ready for clinical medicine. AI health information is not a substitute for guidance from a health care professional.
It’s important to remember these screenings, symptom checkers or referrals are not a diagnosis or treatment. Only trained and certified health care providers can diagnose and treat mental health problems.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network can help members find an in-network mental health professional by calling behavioral health access lines listed below:
PPO: Behavioral Health Access Line | 1-800-762-2382
A free and confidential resource that’s just a call away when you need immediate support. Behavioral health professionals answer, 24/7.
HMO: Behavioral Health Access Line | 1-800-482-5982
Connect with a behavioral health clinician if you need help finding a mental health or substance use provider.
Behavioral health clinicians are available for routine assistance from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. For urgent concerns after hours, clinicians are also available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Learn more about mental health and options you have as a member to seek help at bcbsm.com/mentalhealth.
For mental health emergencies, visit bcbsm.com/crisiscare for resources. You can also call or text 988 or visit the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline if you or a loved one is struggling with a mental health or substance use crisis.
Image: Getty Images
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