Answers to Quiz on Depression
(From Page 1)

1.) False -- Many people who suffer from Depression report physical symptoms, such as fatigue / loss of energy, low blood pressure, fainting, constipation, diarrhea, and pain (headache, stomachache, backache, etc.).

2.) True -- Irritability is actually a quite common symptom of Depression. Oftentimes, people experiencing irritability will be described as "uncooperative" or "non-compliant". They will be more easily provoked to screaming, yelling, swearing, tantruming, etc., and may aggressively act out with greater intensity and/or frequency.

3.) False -- Some people with Depression do experience hypersomnia (wanting to sleep all the time), particularly those diagnosed with a common subtype called Atypical Depression, or those experiencing the Depressive phase of Bipolar Disorder. These folks often struggle to get out of bed in the morning. However, insomnia (trouble falling or staying asleep) is also very commonly seen in people experiencing a Major Depressive Episode. It is important (and relatively simple) to chart sleep behavior if you suspect someone may be suffering with a Mood Disorder.

4.) True -- Someone who is battling severe Depression might display psychotic symptoms such as Delusions (false, fixed beliefs not rooted in reality), Hallucinations (having sensory experiences for which there are no environmental causes), or Thought Disorders (impairment in logic, goal-directed thought/speech, etc.).

5.) True -- For many years it was believed that people with Mental Retardation didn't or couldn't have mental illness. We now know that they can and do experience mental illness, and recent studies indicate that it is with greater frequency than the general population.

6.) False -- The statistics are much higher -- approximately 50% of people with Depression will experience a co-morbid Anxiety Disorder.