Getting checked for depression

Depression can be treated, but first someone has to notice it. Getting checked usually starts with a short set of questions at a regular doctor visit. If the answers point to depression, the doctor looks more closely and checks for other problems that can cause the same symptoms.^1,7

The diagnosis comes from talking with you, a physical exam and, often, lab tests to rule out other causes.⁷ This page explains the questionnaires doctors use, what they rule out, who should be screened, and how to get ready for the visit.

Screening and diagnosis are not the same

Screening means checking people who may not have noticed a problem. It is quick. It usually takes the form of a short paper or tablet form in the waiting room, or a few questions from a nurse.

Diagnosis is the next step. If a screening score is high, the doctor needs to look further. They confirm whether it is depression, how severe it is, and whether other conditions are also present.¹ Only then do you and your doctor talk about treatment.

A screening form can miss some people and can flag others who are not depressed. That is why a high score is a reason for a longer talk, not a label.^1,3

The PHQ-2 and PHQ-9: the most common questionnaires

The PHQ (Patient Health Questionnaire) is one of the most common screening tools for adults.¹ It is free for anyone to copy and use.⁴

The PHQ-2 asks just two things about the past 2 weeks:³

1. How often have you had little interest or pleasure in doing things?
2. How often have you felt down, depressed or hopeless?

Each answer gets 0 to 3 points. A total of 3 or more is a positive screen. It means the doctor should follow up with the PHQ-9 or a fuller interview.³

The PHQ-9 adds seven more questions about the past 2 weeks. They cover sleep, energy, appetite, feeling bad about yourself, trouble concentrating, moving or talking very slowly (or being very restless), and thoughts of death or self-harm.⁴ For each one, you choose "not at all," "several days," "more than half the days," or "nearly every day." Those answers score 0, 1, 2 or 3.⁴

The total runs from 0 to 27. Doctors often read it like this:³

The form ends with one more question: how hard these problems have made it to work, take care of home, or get along with people.⁴ This matters. A diagnosis of depression depends on symptoms causing real trouble in daily life, not just on a number.

The Geriatric Depression Scale for older adults

The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) was made just for older adults. Every question is a simple yes or no.⁵ The original has 30 questions. The short form most clinics use has 15 and takes about 5 to 7 minutes.⁵ Shorter 5-item and 4-item versions also exist.^3,5

Why a separate scale? Many older adults have aches, poor sleep or low energy from other health problems. The GDS leaves out most body symptoms, so those problems are less likely to throw off the result.³

On the 15-question form, a score of about 5 or more suggests depression is possible and the person should be asked more questions.^1,3,6 The scale is in the public domain, which means it is free to use. It has been translated into many languages.⁶ For people who have trouble speaking, the GDS website suggests a yes/no board the person can point to.⁶

When memory is a problem. The GDS works best for people without dementia.³ For a person living with dementia, doctors may use a different tool, such as the Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia. It has 19 items and is designed to stay useful even when memory and thinking are affected.³ Read more in apathy and depression in dementia.

Who should be screened, and how often

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) is a national panel of experts on prevention. In June 2023, it recommended depression screening for all adults 19 and older. That includes pregnant people, people who recently gave birth, and older adults 65 and up.¹ It gave this a "B" grade. That means the panel is fairly sure screening brings a moderate benefit.¹ For teens ages 12 to 18, the panel also recommended screening in 2022.²

The panel found less evidence about older adults than about younger adults, but still included them.¹ It also noted that suicide rates in men are highest after age 65.¹ This is one more reason not to skip screening in later life. See depression in later life and depression in men.

How often? No one knows the best schedule. The panel suggests screening adults who have never been screened. After that, doctors decide based on risk factors, health problems and big life changes, such as a loss or a new illness.¹

Screening for suicide risk. The panel found there was not enough evidence yet to say whether routine suicide-risk screening helps people with no signs of a problem.^1,2 This does not mean suicide thoughts are unimportant. If you or a family member has them, tell a doctor or call or text 988.

What the doctor checks and rules out

If your screening score is high, the doctor will ask more about your symptoms. They may ask when the symptoms started, how long they last, how often they happen, and whether they keep you from your usual activities.⁷ Read signs and symptoms of depression to see the full list doctors look for.

The doctor also does a physical exam and may order lab tests. The goal is to find other causes that can look like depression or make it worse.⁷ Common checks include:³

Health conditions. Many illnesses can cause or overlap with depression. Examples include stroke, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, heart disease, heart failure, diabetes, thyroid disease and some infections.^3,7 Depression can also happen alongside these illnesses, so having one does not rule out the other.³ See depression with heart disease, stroke, diabetes and pain.

Medicines, alcohol and drugs. Some medicines can cause symptoms that look like depression.⁷ Alcohol and other substances can too. The diagnosis of depression is made only when symptoms are not better explained by a substance or medicine.³ Bring a full list of everything you take. See medicines that can affect mood and memory and alcohol in later life. Never stop a medicine on your own because you think it affects your mood. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before changing anything.

Bipolar disorder. Before diagnosing depression, the doctor should ask whether you have ever had a period of very high energy or mood with little need for sleep. If so, the low moods may be part of bipolar disorder, which is treated differently. Some doctors use a short questionnaire for this.³

Grief. After a major loss, sadness, poor sleep and low appetite are normal. A doctor uses careful judgment to tell grief apart from a depressive episode, and both can happen at the same time.³ See grief and prolonged grief disorder.

Memory problems. In older adults, depression can cause poor focus and trouble thinking.⁷ Depression and dementia can also happen together, and Alzheimer's disease is one of the conditions doctors consider.³ The doctor may check memory too. Read depression in later life and memory and thinking tests.

What Medicare covers

As of October 2026, Medicare Part B covers one depression screening each year. It must happen in a primary care setting, like a doctor's office, that can give follow-up care or referrals.⁸ You pay nothing if your doctor accepts assignment (agrees to Medicare's approved amount).⁸

In your first 12 months on Part B, the one-time "Welcome to Medicare" preventive visit also includes a review of your risk for depression.⁹ If your doctor orders extra tests or services during these visits, you may owe part of the cost.^8,9

If you have other insurance, ask your plan whether depression screening is covered. See what Medicare covers for mental health for therapy and other benefits.

How to prepare for the visit

You do not need special words. Saying "I have not felt like myself" is a fine way to start. It may help to write notes about your symptoms before the visit.⁷

1. Try a check-in first. Our free check-in offers the PHQ-9 and the 15-question GDS. It is scored in your browser, and nothing is sent anywhere. Print or write down your score to show the doctor. Adults 65 and older can use the later-life check-in.
2. Write down your symptoms. Note what you feel, when it started, and how it affects sleep, eating, energy, work and time with others.
3. List every medicine. Include prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins and supplements. Bring the bottles if that is easier.
4. Think about your history. Have you had depression before? Ever had very high, "wired" periods? Does anyone in your family have depression, bipolar disorder or a history of suicide?
5. Note recent changes. A death, move, retirement, new diagnosis, money trouble or more drinking can all matter.
6. Bring someone if you like. A family member or friend can help you remember and may notice things you do not.
7. Ask for an interpreter if you need one. If English is not your first language, ask for a free medical interpreter ahead of time.

When to get help

• Call 911 if someone is in immediate danger or has hurt themselves.
• Call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org, for thoughts of suicide or a mental health crisis.⁷
• Call your doctor soon if low mood or loss of interest lasts most days for 2 weeks or more, or makes it hard to get through the day.⁷

You can find more crisis lines and support on our Get help page. A safety plan can also help you prepare for hard moments.

Education only. This page is general information written from the sources listed. It is not medical, legal or financial advice and does not replace a doctor, therapist or lawyer who knows your situation. How we write and check pages.