Google has developed a new feature that offers a questionnaire to American users who search the phrase “clinical depression”. The questionnaire is accessed through a link that reads “Check if you’re clinically depressed” which takes the user to the PHQ-9, a clinically validated screening survey that can help diagnose varying levels of depression.
Google in partnership with the National Alliance on Mental Illness believe that this new feature will be the needed helping hand to those suffering from clinical depression and are unaware. It has been documented that one in five Americans suffer from depression, but only about 50% receive treatment.
“Clinical depression is a treatable condition which can impact many aspects of a person’s life,”
wrote the organization in a statement.
“We believe that awareness of depression can help empower and educate you, enabling quicker access to treatment. And while this tool can help, it’s important to note that PHQ-9 is not meant to act as a singular tool for diagnosis.
“We hope that by making this information available on Google, more people will become aware of depression and seek treatment to recover and improve their quality of life.
