Patent ID: 6322503
Filing Date: 2001-11-27
Classification: A61B,G09B

Abstract:
A method for determining the existence or non-existence of depression in an individual, the method including the steps of:(A) asking the individual at least one question regarding at least one depressive criterion;(B) recording the individual's answer(s) to the at least one question; and(C) scoring the individual's answer(s) so as to determine the existence or non-existence of depression in the individual,wherein the questions are worded so as to elicit a verbal and/or non-verbal numerical response from 0 to 10, where 0 represents the non-existence of at least one depressive criterion and 10 represents the most severe manifestation of at least one depressive criterion, andwherein step (A) further comprises asking the individual additional questions regarding their sleeping habits and/or problems and the amount, if any, of any psychotropic medication(s) being taken, wherein the additional questions are worded so as to elicit a numerical response based upon the occurrence and/or frequency of selected sleeping habits and/or problems, and the amount of psychotropic medication(s), if any, being taken.