I found this online:
http://psychologytoday.tests.psychtests....gTest=3040
It's interesting. Post your results! Mine:
You had symptoms in one category of disorders covered in this test. This suggests that you should probably consult with a mental health professional for further testing or treatment, especially if you are distressed about the symptoms you are experiencing. There is most certainly a treatment out there that will help improve the symptoms you are experiencing.
The following is the area of concern detected by the screening:
Substance Abuse
Your answers indicate that you show strong signs and symptoms of substance abuse. According to the DSM-IV, the use of drugs or alcohol is considered abuse when it leads to problems in your life but not to physical addiction or to a compulsion to take the substance.
The signs and symptoms of substance abuse listed in the DSM-IV are as follows:
Failure to live up to the obligations of work, school or home life as a result of the substance use. Use of substance in situations that are physically dangerous for you or for others. Legal problems associated with use of the substance (drunk driving or drug possession arrests; arrests after fights or other altercations while under the influence, etc.). Use of the drug continues despite negative consequences to relationships or other interpersonal problems.
In order to meet the criteria for substance abuse, you must display at least one of the above signs for at least a 12-month period. It is important to speak to a professional to discuss the severity and frequency of your drug/alcohol use. If you continue with this behavior, you could be putting your own health and well-being at risk, as well as that of others.
Symptoms Detected
You show symptoms of several mental health disorders. While they have not reached the level of full diagnosis, seeking the advice of a therapist is recommended, as the symptoms may become overwhelming, more frequent, and more serious.
Major Depressive Disorder
Your responses indicate that you have some symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder, but not enough for a full diagnosis. A person with this disorder feels unhappy, sad or empty most of the time, and these feelings cannot be explained by a recent loss or by a medical condition.
The DSM-IV states that the signs and symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder in adults are as follows:
At least one of the first two symptoms and at least five in total from the following:
An abnormally sad, low, or empty mood that spans most of every day, for at least two weeks. Loss of interest and pleasure in activities that are normally found to be enjoyable. Changes in appetite or abnormal weight loss or weight gain. Sleep difficulty - either sleeping too much or suffering from insomnia or early waking. Appearance of being abnormally energetic or agitated or, conversely, being unusually sluggish. Extreme fatigue and lowered energy level. Feelings of guilt and regret of personal decisions. Lack of concentration and inability to make decisions. Thoughts of death and suicide.
There are many treatments available for depression - many different medications, along with various forms of psychotherapy. One method that many people find particularly helpful is Cognitive Therapy, during which you can learn methods to address the depressive thoughts and negative self-talk that are common in this disorder.
Suicide Prevention Hotlines and Resources:
If you are thinking of suicide, please do reach out to get the help you need. Here are some links and phone numbers that can get you started:
In the United States:
1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433)
In Canada, the United States and Internationally, click here and follow the links to your country or area:
If you are unable to find resources on your own, see a physician or go to an emergency room -someone there should be able to help you. Do not suffer in silence.
Manic Episodes
You appear to have showed some signs of experiencing a manic episode. People who experience manic episodes have times when they feel extreme emotional "highs" accompanied by a variety of other symptoms, such as racing thoughts, extreme talkativeness, and reduced need for sleep, among others.
According to the DSM-IV, a manic episode consists of the following:
A discrete period of time when there is an extremely elevated or expansive mood, or high levels of irritability.
As well as three or more of the following symptoms:
Exaggerated sense of self-esteem or grandiosity. Greatly reduced need for sleep. Excessive talkativeness and feeling of internal pressure to keep talking. Thoughts race quickly and change rapidly from topic to topic. More easily distracted than usual. Increase in goal-setting activity or in unproductive physical activity, such as fidgeting, pacing, or finger-tapping. Risky, impulsive, and unconsidered behavior, with the potential for serious and long-term consequences (e.g. reckless spending, sex with strangers, foolish business decisions).
The symptoms must be severe enough to disrupt functioning in important life areas, such as the ability to function at work, to have healthy relationships, and to take care of oneself. If hospitalization is required, this criterion is considered to have been met.
If you feel that your symptoms are a problem for you, speaking with a professional therapist or psychiatrist, or a medical professional is your first step towards obtaining help. The most effective treatment for Bipolar Disorder appears to be pharmaceutical drugs, in particular lithium, anticonvulsant mood stabilizers, and atypical antipsychotic drugs. Cognitive Therapy might also be useful for Bipolar patients, mostly to assist in understanding the illness, dealing with its consequences, preventing relapse (monitoring symptoms and adjusting medications before a full-blown relapse occurs), and ensuring adherence to the drug regime.
Bipolar Disorder
You appear to have some symptoms of Bipolar Disorder, but not enough to meet all the criteria for a diagnosis. A person is considered to have this disorder if they have experienced one or more Manic episodes or Mixed episodes (a Mixed episode refers to manic episodes interspersed with depressive episodes in quick succession).
According to the DSM-IV, these are the criteria for a Manic episode, the main requirement for Bipolar disorder:
A discrete period of time where there is an extremely elevated or expansive mood, or high levels of irritability.
As well as three or more of the following symptoms:
Exaggerated sense of self-esteem or grandiosity. Need for sleep is greatly reduced. Excessive talkativeness and feeling of pressure to keep talking. Thoughts race quickly and change rapidly from topic to topic. The individual is more easily distracted than usual. Increase in goal-setting activity or in unproductive physical activity, such as fidgeting, pacing, or finger-tapping. Taking part in risky, impulsive, and unconsidered behavior, with the potential for serious and long-term consequences (reckless spending, sex with strangers, foolish business decisions).
The symptoms must be severe enough to disrupt functioning in important life areas, such as the ability to function at work, to have healthy relationships, and to take care of oneself. If hospitalization is required, this criterion is considered to have been met.
There are a number of similar disorders in the Bipolar spectrum. If you are concerned about the symptoms you might be experiencing related to this disorder, speaking with a professional therapist, psychiatrist, or a medical professional is your first step towards obtaining a definite diagnosis. The most effective treatment for Bipolar Disorder appears to be pharmaceutical drugs, in particular lithium, anticonvulsant mood stabilizers, and atypical antipsychotic drugs. Cognitive Therapy might also be useful for Bipolar patients, mostly to assist in understanding the illness, dealing with its consequences, preventing relapse (monitoring symptoms and adjusting medications before a full-blown relapse occurs), and ensuring adherence to the drug regime.
Suicide Prevention Hotlines and Resources:
If you are thinking of suicide, please do reach out to get the help you need. Here are some links and phone numbers that can get you started.
In the United States:
1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433)
In Canada, the United States and Internationally, click here and follow the links to your country or area:
If you are unable to find resources on your own, see a physician or go to an emergency room -someone there should be able to help you. Do not suffer in silence.
Specific Phobia
You show some signs of suffering from a Specific Phobia, but not enough for a definitive diagnosis. People with a Specific Phobia have a strong, unreasonable fear of a particular object or situation.
The DSM-IV describes the signs and symptoms of Specific Phobia as follows:
Excessive fear of an object of situation that is cued either by the presence or anticipation of being exposed to that stimulus. Exposure of the object or situation almost always provokes a strong and immediate anxious response, or results in panic attacks related to the phobia. The fear is recognized by the individual as being unreasonable and out of proportion. Contact with the object or situation is avoided if at all possible, or endured only with great anxiety and/or distress. The issues surrounding the phobia, such as distress, panic attacks, and avoidance of the phobia interfere with the individual's life. The symptoms of Specific Phobia cannot be better explained by another disorder, such as Panic Disorder, Social Phobia, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, or Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.
This type of phobia can often be easily treated with Cognitive or Behavioral Therapy techniques. Exposure Therapy, for example, slowly builds up from mildly frightening situations to more frightening ones in order to reduce the phobic reaction. Flooding, which entails placing the individual into the situation they find frightening and then teaching them how to relax in that scenario, can also help. Drug therapies might also be used.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
You appear to suffer from a few of the symptoms of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder; however, you do not meet all the criteria. This disorder entails recurrent obsessions (excessive and uncontrollable thoughts) and/or compulsions (uncontrollable, repetitive behaviors) that are disruptive to the individual's functioning, are distressing to him or her, are time consuming and recognized by him or her as being excessive.
The DSM-IV lists the following signs and symptoms that point to Obsessive Compulsive Disorder:
Obsessions and/or compulsions must occur.
Obsessions consist of all of the following:
Recurrent thoughts, impulses or images that keep popping up uncontrollably, are recognized as not being appropriate, and that cause distress and concern in the individual. These thoughts and worries experienced are not simply extreme examples of worry about real-life problems. The individual tries to repress these thoughts, images, or impulses or prevent them from occurring by performing another action or thought. The individual recognizes that these thoughts, images, and impulses are a product of his or her own mind.
Compulsions consist of both of the following:
The person performs repetitive behaviors (washing his or her hands, checking that the doors in his or house are locked over and over, or repetitively straightening objects in his or her house, and similar behaviors) or mental acts (counting to the same number over and over, praying, repeating words or phrases internally) in response to an obsession. These behaviors are either meant to calm the individual, or are aimed at preventing something bad from happening; however, these actions cannot logically stop these things from occurring or are clearly excessive.
In addtion...
The obsessions and/or compulsions are seen as unreasonable and/or excessive. They are also disturbing to the individual, take up unreasonable amounts of his or her time, or interfere with his or her life. These obsessions or compulsions are not solely related to another disorder, or a result of a drug or medication, or a medical condition.
Treatment for OCD can be very effective. They include medications, or behavioral and cognitive therapy, among others. A mental health professional can assist you in developing a treatment plan to help you.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Your answers indicate that you show some of the signs of Generalized Anxiety Disorder, but not enough of them to meet all the criteria. People suffering with this disorder are on edge most of the time, with no obvious precipitating event. This is a very common disorder and there are many effective treatments available.
The DSM-IV states that the following signs and symptoms must be apparent for a diagnosis of Generalized Anxiety Disorder to be made:
The individual must experience excessive anxiety and worry more days than not for a minimum of six months. The concern must be about a number of different events or areas of life, not focused on one or two specific issues. The person must have a difficult time controlling his or her worry. The anxiety and worry must be associated with at least three of the following physical or emotional symptoms: Feelings of restlessness, edginess, or unease. Feeling easily fatigued. Difficulty maintaining concentration or a feeling of his or her mind going blank. Irritability. Tense muscles. Sleep disturbance in the form of insomnia or difficulty staying asleep, or feeling unsatisfied with his or her sleep. The anxiety and worry must not occur solely as a result of another disorder, such as Social Phobia, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Anorexia or Bulimia, Post-Traumatic Disorder, Panic Disorder, Somatization Disorder, or Hypochondriasis. The anxiety, worry and accompanying physical and emotional symptoms must cause the person distress or lead to impairment of his or her functioning at work, in his or her personal life, or in other life areas. The anxiety is not due to a physical condition or drug use (illegal or medical), and does not occur only during a mood disorder such as Depression, in the course of a Psychotic Disorder, or due to a Pervasive Developmental Disorder (such as Autism).
Treatments for Generalized Anxiety Disorder include anti-anxiety medications, relaxation therapy, and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy.
Tl dr: You need (more) drugs.