Depression Checklist

Depression is often referred to as a silent illness or silent killer because its symptoms are not always apparent. If they are apparent, they might be written off as a case of the temporary blues or stress that will improve if the patient simply relaxes. This can make diagnosing and treating depression a real challenge, even for seasoned mental health professionals. Fortunately, there are now templates available to help with diagnosis and treatment of this illness. One such template is the Depression Checklist featured here. The Depression Checklist template is free, customizable, and user-friendly. It can be downloaded directly from this page.

Using the Depression Checklist Template

1. Set up each column and row to reflect the templates and scoring you desire to focus on
2. Add pertinent fields for client information (name, address, primary care physician, and so forth)
3. If desired, add fields or space where patients can elaborate on symptoms they have checked off and the frequency with which the symptoms occur
4. Print and distribute to patients before appointments as needed

Tips for Personal Use of Depression Checklist

1. You may choose to tweak symptoms or scoring methods based on your clientele. For example, if your practice involves many patients with suicidal tendencies, you can choose to place that symptom closer to the top of your list. If you see many clients with physical symptoms in addition to depression, feel free to add more physical ailments and specify those (examples include headaches, stomachaches, insomnia, hives, and so on).
2. You may choose to add space for patients to provide a condensed version of their mental health history, particularly if depression runs in their families, has been a frequent issue, or has a specific connection to certain incidents. Examples include military veterans with PTSD, children who have endured abuse or neglect, or postpartum depression.
3. Encourage patients to keep copies of the Depression Checklist, especially if you want to chart their progress by having them fill out another copy after several therapy sessions.

Depression can be difficult to diagnose and treat. However, a template like this can help you condense symptoms and get an objective picture of each patient’s needs.

Download: Depression Checklist