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class="hide-offscreen">You Are Here:</span> <div itemscope itemprop="itemListElement" itemtype="http://schema.org/ListItem"> <a href="https://medlineplus.gov" itemprop="item"><span itemprop="name">Home</span></a> → <meta itemprop="position" content="1"/> </div> <div itemscope itemprop="itemListElement" itemtype="http://schema.org/ListItem"> <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/videosandcooltools.html" itemprop="item"><span itemprop="name">Videos & Tools</span></a> → <meta itemprop="position" content="2"/> </div> <div itemscope itemprop="itemListElement" itemtype="http://schema.org/ListItem"> <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/testyourknowledge.html" itemprop="item"><span itemprop="name">Test Your Knowledge</span></a> → <meta itemprop="position" content="3"/> </div> </div><div><span>Depression Myths & Facts Quiz</span></div></div> <span class="page-url print-only">URL of this page: //medlineplus.gov/ency/quiz/003213.htm </span>  <article><div id="d-article"><div class="page-info"><div class="page-title"><a name="start" id="start"> </a><h1 class="with-also" itemprop="name">Depression Myths & Facts Quiz</h1> </div><div class="page-actions"> </div> <noscript> <span class="js-disabled-message">To use the sharing features on this page, please enable JavaScript.</span> </noscript></div><noscript><style type="text/css"> .quiz_slides { display: block; } .answer { display: block; } .sec-mb { display: block; } </style></noscript><div class="main"><section><div id="quizmain"><div id="quizcontainer"><div class="quiz_slideshow" id="quiz_slideshow"><div id="quiz_slides_1" class="quiz_slides fade"><div tabIndex="0" class="quiz_content" id="quiz_content_304"><h4 class="question">Which of these may be a symptom of depression?</h4><ul class="answer_choice_list" id="answer_choice_list"><li id="answer_choice_978" tabIndex="-1" class="answer_choice"><input aria-label="A. Feeling sad, worthless, or guilty" value="978" name="question_option_304" class="question_option" id="question_option_978" tabIndex="0" type="radio"/><label>A. Feeling sad, worthless, or guilty</label></li><li id="answer_choice_979" tabIndex="-1" class="answer_choice"><input aria-label="B. Fatigue" value="979" name="question_option_304" class="question_option" id="question_option_979" tabIndex="0" type="radio"/><label>B. Fatigue</label></li><li id="answer_choice_980" tabIndex="-1" class="answer_choice"><input aria-label="C. Loss of pleasure" value="980" name="question_option_304" class="question_option" id="question_option_980" tabIndex="0" type="radio"/><label>C. Loss of pleasure</label></li><li id="answer_choice_981" tabIndex="-1" class="answer_choice"><input aria-label="D. Problems doing tasks at home or work" value="981" name="question_option_304" class="question_option" id="question_option_981" tabIndex="0" type="radio"/><label>D. Problems doing tasks at home or work</label></li><li id="answer_choice_982" tabIndex="-1" class="answer_choice"><input aria-label="E. Change of sleep pattern" value="982" name="question_option_304" class="question_option" id="question_option_982" tabIndex="0" type="radio"/><label>E. Change of sleep pattern</label></li><li id="answer_choice_983" tabIndex="-1" class="answer_choice"><input aria-label="F. All of the above" value="983" name="question_option_304" class="question_option" id="question_option_983" tabIndex="0" type="radio"/><label>F. All of the above</label></li></ul><div class="answer" id="answer_304">The correct answer is all of the above. Depression may be described as feeling sad, blue, unhappy, or miserable. Most of us feel this way sometimes for short periods. But depression as a medical condition affects your daily life in an ongoing way. Talk with your doctor if you have any of these symptoms, or if you think you may be depressed.</div></div></div><div id="quiz_slides_2" class="quiz_slides fade"><div tabIndex="0" class="quiz_content" id="quiz_content_305"><h4 class="question">Depression is a state of mind – if you try hard enough, you can snap out of it.</h4><ul class="answer_choice_list" id="answer_choice_list"><li id="answer_choice_984" tabIndex="-1" class="answer_choice"><input aria-label="A. Myth" value="984" name="question_option_305" class="question_option" id="question_option_984" tabIndex="0" type="radio"/><label>A. Myth</label></li><li id="answer_choice_985" tabIndex="-1" class="answer_choice"><input aria-label="B. Fact" value="985" name="question_option_305" class="question_option" id="question_option_985" tabIndex="0" type="radio"/><label>B. Fact</label></li></ul><div class="answer" id="answer_305">The correct answer is myth. Depression is a medical disorder that causes real suffering. Brain scans have shown that certain areas of the brain look different in people with depression. It's unclear what causes the disorder. An imbalance of brain chemicals or genetic factors may play a role.</div></div></div><div id="quiz_slides_3" class="quiz_slides fade"><div tabIndex="0" class="quiz_content" id="quiz_content_306"><h4 class="question">If a friend or loved one talks about suicide, what should you do?</h4><ul class="answer_choice_list" id="answer_choice_list"><li id="answer_choice_986" tabIndex="-1" class="answer_choice"><input aria-label="A. Don't be alarmed – suicide is rare" value="986" name="question_option_306" class="question_option" id="question_option_986" tabIndex="0" type="radio"/><label>A. Don't be alarmed – suicide is rare</label></li><li id="answer_choice_987" tabIndex="-1" class="answer_choice"><input aria-label="B. Seek professional help immediately." value="987" name="question_option_306" class="question_option" id="question_option_987" tabIndex="0" type="radio"/><label>B. Seek professional help immediately.</label></li><li id="answer_choice_988" tabIndex="-1" class="answer_choice"><input aria-label="C. Check back tomorrow to see if the person is feeling better" value="988" name="question_option_306" class="question_option" id="question_option_988" tabIndex="0" type="radio"/><label>C. Check back tomorrow to see if the person is feeling better</label></li></ul><div class="answer" id="answer_306">The correct answer is seek professional help immediately. Suicide can be prevented with prompt intervention. If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. You can also call 1-800-273-8255 (1-800-273-TALK). The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides free and confidential support 24/7, anytime day or night. Never try to manage the problem on your own.</div></div></div><div id="quiz_slides_4" class="quiz_slides fade"><div tabIndex="0" class="quiz_content" id="quiz_content_307"><h4 class="question">Depression is more common in women.</h4><ul class="answer_choice_list" id="answer_choice_list"><li id="answer_choice_989" tabIndex="-1" class="answer_choice"><input aria-label="A. Myth" value="989" name="question_option_307" class="question_option" id="question_option_989" tabIndex="0" type="radio"/><label>A. Myth</label></li><li id="answer_choice_990" tabIndex="-1" class="answer_choice"><input aria-label="B. Fact" value="990" name="question_option_307" class="question_option" id="question_option_990" tabIndex="0" type="radio"/><label>B. Fact</label></li></ul><div class="answer" id="answer_307">The correct answer is fact. Hormonal changes throughout a woman’s life may play a role. At puberty, girls have twice the risk for depression than boys. Many women notice mood changes and even depression around their period, after childbirth, and around the time of menopause. Other risk factors may include income inequality, social status, sexual violence, and life stressors.</div></div></div><div id="quiz_slides_5" class="quiz_slides fade"><div tabIndex="0" class="quiz_content" id="quiz_content_308"><h4 class="question">People who are depressed tend to:</h4><ul class="answer_choice_list" id="answer_choice_list"><li id="answer_choice_991" tabIndex="-1" class="answer_choice"><input aria-label="A. Eat more than usual" value="991" name="question_option_308" class="question_option" id="question_option_991" tabIndex="0" type="radio"/><label>A. Eat more than usual</label></li><li id="answer_choice_992" tabIndex="-1" class="answer_choice"><input aria-label="B. Eat less than usual" value="992" name="question_option_308" class="question_option" id="question_option_992" tabIndex="0" type="radio"/><label>B. Eat less than usual</label></li><li id="answer_choice_993" tabIndex="-1" class="answer_choice"><input aria-label="C. Either A or B" value="993" name="question_option_308" class="question_option" id="question_option_993" tabIndex="0" type="radio"/><label>C. Either A or B</label></li></ul><div class="answer" id="answer_308">The correct answer is either A or B. While some people lose interest in food when they are depressed, others turn to food for comfort and overeat.</div></div></div><div id="quiz_slides_6" class="quiz_slides fade"><div tabIndex="0" class="quiz_content" id="quiz_content_309"><h4 class="question">Children don't get depressed.</h4><ul class="answer_choice_list" id="answer_choice_list"><li id="answer_choice_994" tabIndex="-1" class="answer_choice"><input aria-label="A. Myth" value="994" name="question_option_309" class="question_option" id="question_option_994" tabIndex="0" type="radio"/><label>A. Myth</label></li><li id="answer_choice_995" tabIndex="-1" class="answer_choice"><input aria-label="B. Fact" value="995" name="question_option_309" class="question_option" id="question_option_995" tabIndex="0" type="radio"/><label>B. Fact</label></li></ul><div class="answer" id="answer_309">The correct answer is myth. A depressed child may complain of aches and pains, refuse to go to school, or worry all the time. About 10% to 15% of teenagers have symptoms of depression at some point in their teen years. Be aware of any changes in your teen’s daily routines or behaviors. This can be a sign of depression.</div></div></div><div id="quiz_slides_7" class="quiz_slides fade"><div tabIndex="0" class="quiz_content" id="quiz_content_310"><h4 class="question">Men may spend more time at work when they are depressed.</h4><ul class="answer_choice_list" id="answer_choice_list"><li id="answer_choice_996" tabIndex="-1" class="answer_choice"><input aria-label="A. Myth" value="996" name="question_option_310" class="question_option" id="question_option_996" tabIndex="0" type="radio"/><label>A. Myth</label></li><li id="answer_choice_997" tabIndex="-1" class="answer_choice"><input aria-label="B. Fact" value="997" name="question_option_310" class="question_option" id="question_option_997" tabIndex="0" type="radio"/><label>B. Fact</label></li></ul><div class="answer" id="answer_310">The correct answer is fact. Men often react to depression in different ways than women. They are more likely to work long hours, abuse alcohol or drugs, lose their temper, or behave recklessly.</div></div></div><div id="quiz_slides_8" class="quiz_slides fade"><div tabIndex="0" class="quiz_content" id="quiz_content_311"><h4 class="question">Which types of talk therapy are effective in treating depression?</h4><ul class="answer_choice_list" id="answer_choice_list"><li id="answer_choice_998" tabIndex="-1" class="answer_choice"><input aria-label="A. Support groups" value="998" name="question_option_311" class="question_option" id="question_option_998" tabIndex="0" type="radio"/><label>A. Support groups</label></li><li id="answer_choice_999" tabIndex="-1" class="answer_choice"><input aria-label="B. Psychotherapy" value="999" name="question_option_311" class="question_option" id="question_option_999" tabIndex="0" type="radio"/><label>B. Psychotherapy</label></li><li id="answer_choice_1000" tabIndex="-1" class="answer_choice"><input aria-label="C. Cognitive-behavioral therapy" value="1000" name="question_option_311" class="question_option" id="question_option_1000" tabIndex="0" type="radio"/><label>C. Cognitive-behavioral therapy</label></li><li id="answer_choice_1001" tabIndex="-1" class="answer_choice"><input aria-label="D. All of the above" value="1001" name="question_option_311" class="question_option" id="question_option_1001" tabIndex="0" type="radio"/><label>D. All of the above</label></li></ul><div class="answer" id="answer_311">The correct answer is all of the above. Cognitive-behavioral therapy teaches you how to fight negative thoughts and develop self-awareness and problem-solving skills. Psychotherapy can help you understand the issues behind your thoughts and feelings. Support groups can help you feel less alone. Ask your doctor for a recommendation.</div></div></div><div id="quiz_slides_9" class="quiz_slides fade"><div tabIndex="0" class="quiz_content" id="quiz_content_312"><h4 class="question">Depression can make the symptoms of other illnesses seem worse.</h4><ul class="answer_choice_list" id="answer_choice_list"><li id="answer_choice_1002" tabIndex="-1" class="answer_choice"><input aria-label="A. Myth" value="1002" name="question_option_312" class="question_option" id="question_option_1002" tabIndex="0" type="radio"/><label>A. Myth</label></li><li id="answer_choice_1003" tabIndex="-1" class="answer_choice"><input aria-label="B. Fact" value="1003" name="question_option_312" class="question_option" id="question_option_1003" tabIndex="0" type="radio"/><label>B. Fact</label></li></ul><div class="answer" id="answer_312">The correct answer is fact. If you have a health condition like diabetes, heart disease, or many others, depression can make the symptoms more severe. Feeling sad or down also makes it harder for you to do the work needed to manage your illness. Getting help for depression usually makes it easier to successfully treat any medical condition.</div></div></div><div id="quiz_slides_10" class="quiz_slides fade"><div tabIndex="0" class="quiz_content" id="quiz_content_313"><h4 class="question">Which of the following is true of antidepressant medicines?</h4><ul class="answer_choice_list" id="answer_choice_list"><li id="answer_choice_1004" tabIndex="-1" class="answer_choice"><input aria-label="A. Antidepressants usually start working right away." value="1004" name="question_option_313" class="question_option" id="question_option_1004" tabIndex="0" type="radio"/><label>A. Antidepressants usually start working right away.</label></li><li id="answer_choice_1005" tabIndex="-1" class="answer_choice"><input aria-label="B. Antidepressants are addictive." value="1005" name="question_option_313" class="question_option" id="question_option_1005" tabIndex="0" type="radio"/><label>B. Antidepressants are addictive.</label></li><li id="answer_choice_1006" tabIndex="-1" class="answer_choice"><input aria-label="C. If one type of antidepressant doesn't help, chances are another one will" value="1006" name="question_option_313" class="question_option" id="question_option_1006" tabIndex="0" type="radio"/><label>C. If one type of antidepressant doesn't help, chances are another one will</label></li><li id="answer_choice_1007" tabIndex="-1" class="answer_choice"><input aria-label="D. You will probably need to take antidepressants for the rest of your life" value="1007" name="question_option_313" class="question_option" id="question_option_1007" tabIndex="0" type="radio"/><label>D. You will probably need to take antidepressants for the rest of your life</label></li></ul><div class="answer" id="answer_313">The correct answer is if one type of antidepressant doesn't help, chances are another one will. Remember that it can take 4 to 12 weeks for an antidepressant to become fully effective, so try to be patient. However, some benefits start earlier than that. If your medicine isn’t helping, be sure to talk to your doctor. Often, changing to a different antidepressant or adding a second medicine will help your symptoms.</div></div></div><div id="quiz_slides_11" class="quiz_slides fade"><div tabIndex="0" class="quiz_content" id="quiz_content_314"><h4 class="question">Depression is very difficult to treat.</h4><ul class="answer_choice_list" id="answer_choice_list"><li id="answer_choice_1008" tabIndex="-1" class="answer_choice"><input aria-label="A. Myth" value="1008" name="question_option_314" class="question_option" id="question_option_1008" tabIndex="0" type="radio"/><label>A. Myth</label></li><li id="answer_choice_1009" tabIndex="-1" class="answer_choice"><input aria-label="B. Fact" value="1009" name="question_option_314" class="question_option" id="question_option_1009" tabIndex="0" type="radio"/><label>B. Fact</label></li></ul><div class="answer" id="answer_314">The correct answer is myth. In reality, most patients get better when treated with medicine, talk therapy, or both together. The first step is to talk to your doctor, who can treat you or refer you to a mental health professional. Make that first call, and you will be on the path to recovery.</div></div></div><div class="quiz_content"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="correct_answer_btn" id="correct_answer_btn" title="Correct Answer">Correct Answer</button></div><div class="quiz_content"><button tabindex="0" class="next_btn" id="next_btn" title="Next">❯</button><button tabindex="0" class="previous_btn" id="previous_btn" title="Previous">❮</button></div><br/><div class="question_numbers"><button type="button" tabindex="0" class="question_num" id="question_num_1" title="1">1</button><button type="button" tabindex="0" class="question_num" id="question_num_2" title="2">2</button><button type="button" tabindex="0" class="question_num" id="question_num_3" title="3">3</button><button type="button" tabindex="0" class="question_num" id="question_num_4" title="4">4</button><button type="button" tabindex="0" class="question_num" id="question_num_5" title="5">5</button><button type="button" tabindex="0" class="question_num" id="question_num_6" title="6">6</button><button type="button" tabindex="0" class="question_num" id="question_num_7" title="7">7</button><button type="button" tabindex="0" class="question_num" id="question_num_8" title="8">8</button><button type="button" tabindex="0" class="question_num" id="question_num_9" title="9">9</button><button type="button" tabindex="0" class="question_num" id="question_num_10" title="10">10</button><button type="button" tabindex="0" class="question_num" id="question_num_11" title="11">11</button></div></div></div></div></section><section><div class="section sec-mb"><div class="section-header"><div class="section-title"><h2>Related MedlinePlus Health Topics</h2></div><div class="section-button"><button type="submit" aria-controls="section-mtp" role="button" title="Expand/Collapse section"><span class="icon icon-section-action"/></button></div><div class="sm-live-area hide-offscreen" aria-live="polite"> </div></div><div name="Related MedlinePlus Health Topics" class="section-body" id="section-mtp"><ul class="side-nav"><li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/depression.html">Depression</a></li> </ul></div></div></section><section><div class="section sec-mb"><div class="section-header"><div class="section-title"><h2>Read More</h2></div><div class="section-button"><button type="submit" aria-controls="section-rdmore" role="button" title="Expand/Collapse section"><span class="icon icon-section-action"/></button></div><div class="sm-live-area hide-offscreen" aria-live="polite"> </div></div><div name="Read More" class="section-body" id="section-rdmore"><ul class="side-nav"><li><a href="//medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003213.htm">Depression</a></li></ul></div></div></section></div></div></article> </div> <footer> <div class="provider-box group"> <div class="urac-logo"> <a href="https://accreditnet.urac.org/directory/#/certification/HCP-2/info"><img src="https://www.urac.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Certified001.png"/></a> <p class="urac-logo-info">Health Content Provider<br>06/01/2025</p> </div> <p class="adam-info"> <a href='javascript:urac_open();'>A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC</a>, for Health Content Provider (www.urac.org). 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