Learning About Depression
Learning About Depression
Depression Checklist*
If you think you might have depression symptoms, this checklist can help you talk about your concerns with your doctor.
Just print this page, answer the questions, and take the finished checklist to an appointment with a doctor or other healthcare professional. Your answers can help your doctor determine if you have depression.
Over the past two weeks, how often have you been bothered by any of the following problems?


1. Little interest or pleasure in doing things
Not at allSeveral days
More than half the daysNearly every day


2. Feeling down, depressed or hopeless
Not at allSeveral days
More than half the daysNearly every day


3. Trouble falling or staying asleep, or sleeping too much
Not at allSeveral days
More than half the daysNearly every day


4. Feeling tired or having little energy
Not at allSeveral days
More than half the daysNearly every day


5. Poor appetite or overeating
Not at allSeveral days
More than half the daysNearly every day


6. Feeling bad about yourself, or feeling that you are a failure or have let yourself or your family down
Not at allSeveral days
More than half the daysNearly every day


7. Trouble concentrating on things such as reading the newspaper or watching television
Not at allSeveral days
More than half the daysNearly every day


8. Moving or speaking so slowly that other people notice. Or the opposite—being so fidgety or restless that you have been moving around a lot more than usual
Not at allSeveral days
More than half the daysNearly every day


9. Thinking that you would be better off dead or wanting to hurt yourself in some way
Not at allSeveral days
More than half the daysNearly every day
*Adapted from PRIME-MD® Today™ Tool. PRIME-MD® and PRIME-MD® Today are trademarks of Pfizer Inc. © 2001 Pfizer Inc. All rights reserved.
If you checked "several days" or more for questions 1 or 2 and some of the other problems, discuss your answers with your doctor. Only a doctor can diagnose depression. Having repeated thoughts of death or suicide is the most serious symptom of depression.
If you checked "several days" or more for question 9 (thinking that you would be better off dead or wanting to hurt yourself), please immediately speak to your doctor, a friend, a family member, or anyone else who can help you immediately. If you're seriously thinking about hurting yourself and no one is around, go to your local hospital emergency room. Help is all around you. You just have to ask.
The information contained on this site is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace discussions with a healthcare provider. This checklist is intended only for the purpose of identifying symptoms of depression and is not designed to provide a diagnosis or treatment. Only a doctor or other qualified healthcare professional can make a diagnosis of depression or determine a treatment plan.
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pfizer helpful answers
© 2008 Pfizer Inc. All rights reserved.
Depression is a serious medical condition, which can lead to suicidal thoughts and behavior. Children, adolescents, and young adults taking antidepressants may be  at increased risk for suicidal thoughts and behavior within the first few months of treatment. This risk must be balanced with the medical need. Those starting medication or changing doses should be watched closely for suicidal thoughts, worsening of depression, or unusual changes in mood or behavior. In children and teens, Zoloft is only approved for use in those with obsessive-compulsive disorder. A patient Medication Guide about "Antidepressant Medicines, Depression and Other Serious Mental Illnesses, and Suicidal Thoughts or Actions" is available.
Zoloft is not for everyone. People taking MAOIs or pimozide shouldn't take Zoloft. Concomitant use of Zoloft with NSAIDs or aspirin may be associated with an increased risk of bleeding. Side effects may include dry mouth, insomnia, sexual side effects, diarrhea, nausea and sleepiness. In studies, few people were bothered enough by side effects to stop taking Zoloft. Side effects may result from stopping Zoloft particularly when abrupt. You should, however, stop taking Zoloft if you get any of the following symptoms of Serotonin Syndrome, a rare but life-threatening reaction, such as fever, sweating, muscle stiffness, trouble thinking clearly, a change in mental functioning, sleepiness, or change in your breathing, heartbeat and blood pressure.
You should tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, as there is a potential risk to the fetus with Zoloft. Like many antidepressants, Zoloft can be present in breast milk so tell your doctor if you are nursing.
Zoloft is approved to treat depression, social anxiety disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) in adults over age 18. It is also approved for OCD in children and adolescents age 6-17 years.
Zoloft is not habit-forming and is not associated with weight gain. So talk to your doctor about how Zoloft might help you. Zoloft comes in 25-mg, 50-mg, and 100-mg tablets. You and your doctor can discuss a dose for you.
The health information contained herein is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace discussions with a healthcare provider. All decisions regarding patient care must be made with a healthcare provider, considering the unique characteristics of the patient.
This product information is intended only for residents of the United States. The products discussed herein may have different product labeling in different countries.
Pfizer is a licensee of the TRUSTe Privacy Program.
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