<p>Looking up "depression" on Google will now allow users in the US to check whether they are clinically depressed, thanks to a new self-assessment feature added to the popular search engine.<br /><br />The feature, launched for users in the US, will provide an option to take a clinically validated screening questionnaire called PHQ-9 when a person Googles the word "depression".<br /><br />They will also see a box atop the results on the mobile, which Google calls a Knowledge Panel. The box contains information on what depression is, what its symptoms are, and possible treatments.<br /><br />The self-assessment is private and is meant to help encourage people who might be depressed to seek medical help.<br /><br />The new feature "is not meant to subvert a medical evaluation. It is meant to steer you to one if you appear depressed," Google spokesperson Susan Cadrecha told 'The Verge'.<br /><br />"The results of the PHQ-9 can help you have a more informed conversation with your doctor," according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, which partnered with Google on the questionnaire.<br /><br />Depression is a common illness worldwide, that affects more than 300 million people, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).<br /><br />It is the leading cause of disability worldwide, and is a major contributor to the overall global burden of disease.<br /><br />More women are affected by depression than men. At its worst, depression can lead to suicide.</p>
<p>Looking up "depression" on Google will now allow users in the US to check whether they are clinically depressed, thanks to a new self-assessment feature added to the popular search engine.<br /><br />The feature, launched for users in the US, will provide an option to take a clinically validated screening questionnaire called PHQ-9 when a person Googles the word "depression".<br /><br />They will also see a box atop the results on the mobile, which Google calls a Knowledge Panel. The box contains information on what depression is, what its symptoms are, and possible treatments.<br /><br />The self-assessment is private and is meant to help encourage people who might be depressed to seek medical help.<br /><br />The new feature "is not meant to subvert a medical evaluation. It is meant to steer you to one if you appear depressed," Google spokesperson Susan Cadrecha told 'The Verge'.<br /><br />"The results of the PHQ-9 can help you have a more informed conversation with your doctor," according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, which partnered with Google on the questionnaire.<br /><br />Depression is a common illness worldwide, that affects more than 300 million people, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).<br /><br />It is the leading cause of disability worldwide, and is a major contributor to the overall global burden of disease.<br /><br />More women are affected by depression than men. At its worst, depression can lead to suicide.</p>