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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 16 to 40 of 79. Go back in thread:
Posted by AuntieMel on August 21, 2004, at 21:15:48
In reply to Re: revisions » slinky, posted by chemist on August 21, 2004, at 20:17:31
I got a 35. With the help of a lot of legal drugs.
oh, well.
Posted by Dinah on August 21, 2004, at 23:23:19
In reply to Re: scores, posted by AuntieMel on August 21, 2004, at 21:15:48
gotcha beat. i'm 41. but i never know how to answer those things, so my scores are always suspect.
Posted by Dinah on August 21, 2004, at 23:23:45
In reply to Re: revisions » slinky, posted by chemist on August 21, 2004, at 20:17:31
I'm impressed!
Posted by Larry Hoover on August 22, 2004, at 7:45:07
In reply to Assess the level of depressive symptoms, posted by Dr. Bob on August 20, 2004, at 11:24:26
> Hi, everyone,
>
> Here's something new, a way to assess the level of depressive symptoms. The idea is to help you track your progress over time, *not* to make a diagnosis.
>
> http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/ces-d.pl
>
> Give it a try? I've turned off the restriction on how often you can repeat it. If it's going to stay, I'll erase any data that's submitted now and start over. OK? Let me know what you think...
>
> BobI like having this tool so readily available here. I like the format.
I scored a 7, but even those points are actually more of a reflection of the fact that I have chronic fatigue syndrome, which affects energy and sleep, too.
Thanks, Bob.
Lar
Posted by chemist on August 22, 2004, at 17:20:28
In reply to Re: revisions » chemist, posted by Dinah on August 21, 2004, at 23:23:45
> I'm impressed!
well, thank the dexedrine/coffee and start of the new semester: in short time, my students will wear me down, be assured...300 young people forced to take chemistry, and not one of them wants to...by friday next, i'll be batting 50-60......all the best, tjm
Posted by Lonely on August 23, 2004, at 1:09:19
In reply to Assess the level of depressive symptoms, posted by Dr. Bob on August 20, 2004, at 11:24:26
Sheesh, I scored quite high but at the same time, I found it a little difficult because I had to keep scrolling up to see the categories/classifications. It was a tad difficult to see where I had placed the dot. I'd like the font to be a bit larger to see it easier. Also, if I was having a rollicking good time in life I probably wouldn't be at the board so that slightly skews the results. No doubt that's part of the point as Dr. Bob pointed out -follow progress.
In some ways, I thought the questions were better and more insightful than other depression test questions I have seen - maybe the Hamilton? I've never taken a depression test in/for a medical environment - just online, out of curiosity.
> Hi, everyone,
>
> Here's something new, a way to assess the level of depressive symptoms. The idea is to help you track your progress over time, *not* to make a diagnosis.
>
> http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/ces-d.pl
>
> Give it a try? I've turned off the restriction on how often you can repeat it. If it's going to stay, I'll erase any data that's submitted now and start over. OK? Let me know what you think...
>
> Bob
Posted by Dr. Bob on August 23, 2004, at 17:36:48
In reply to Re: Assess the level of depressive symptoms » Dr. Bob, posted by Lonely on August 23, 2004, at 1:09:19
> I found it a little difficult because I had to keep scrolling up to see the categories/classifications. It was a tad difficult to see where I had placed the dot. I'd like the font to be a bit larger to see it easier.
Hmm, I guess with "frames", the categories could stay visible, let me try that out myself...
The dot was too small to click easily, or it was hard to tell which ones were clicked and which ones weren't?
The font should be the default. Do you find most web page text a little small?
Thanks for the feedback! I've gone ahead and reset the data file and removed the "beta" designation.
Bob
Posted by badhaircut on August 23, 2004, at 17:48:47
In reply to Re: feedback, posted by Dr. Bob on August 23, 2004, at 17:36:48
>> I found it a little difficult because I had to keep scrolling up to see the categories/classifications.
> Hmm, I guess with "frames", the categories could stay visible...I noticed that some CES-D sites repeat the category row every 5 questions or so. That might be simpler than frames.
-bhc
Posted by Lonely on August 23, 2004, at 21:14:05
In reply to Re: feedback, posted by Dr. Bob on August 23, 2004, at 17:36:48
I just went back to the test to re-check ... how does one view "in frames"? On the test page I didn't see an indicator for frames.
Also, I'm still seeing that the "categories" or "classifications" (what is the correct term?) are only at the top and by the time I'm 1/3 of the way down the page they're not viewable. Quite possibly it's due to the ISP or the way my PC is set up? I'm told that different systems present things differently on the screen depending on their set-up.
Clicking the dot was not a problem ... perhaps for someone with palsy or some other condition it might be but I was okay there. It was seeing it, especially while thinking and trying to remember the headings that it was, in a very minor sense, almost "dizzifying." It's kind've like looking at polka dots. Also, the actual dot itself (not the little circle that holds the dot) is so small it really is hard to see without consciously looking. Scanning is difficult. Consciously looking is a distractor when trying to think about the questions/statements and conditions.
Re fonts hard to see ... well, when I read the responses on the message boards I'm just fine. This window is possibly ever so slightly small(where I'm writing the posting) but even so can see it okay. I do have a vision problem but unless a font is *very* small can usually see okay. There's something about dots that's different - they're not a "normal" part of reading ... i.e., I guess there's no flow as there is in text.
> > I found it a little difficult because I had to keep scrolling up to see the categories/classifications. It was a tad difficult to see where I had placed the dot. I'd like the font to be a bit larger to see it easier.
>
> Hmm, I guess with "frames", the categories could stay visible, let me try that out myself...
>
> The dot was too small to click easily, or it was hard to tell which ones were clicked and which ones weren't?
>
> The font should be the default. Do you find most web page text a little small?
>
> Thanks for the feedback! I've gone ahead and reset the data file and removed the "beta" designation.
>
> Bob
Posted by Dr. Bob on August 24, 2004, at 17:58:48
In reply to Re: feedback » Dr. Bob, posted by Lonely on August 23, 2004, at 21:14:05
> I just went back to the test to re-check ... how does one view "in frames"? On the test page I didn't see an indicator for frames.
Sorry, I didn't make it an option, I was just going to test it myself... But here's another idea. What if the heading shows up as a "tool tip" if you move your mouse over a circle? It should do that now, give it a try...
> the actual dot itself (not the little circle that holds the dot) is so small it really is hard to see without consciously looking.
Sorry, but I don't think I have any control over how big the dot is. I think it's standard, the same size on all "forms".
> This window is possibly ever so slightly small(where I'm writing the posting)
Did you know you could make it larger? The window itself, not the text in the window:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#settings
Bob
Posted by Lonely on August 24, 2004, at 21:35:47
In reply to Re: feedback, posted by Dr. Bob on August 24, 2004, at 17:58:48
>What if the heading shows up as a "tool tip" if you move your mouse >over a circle? It should do that now, give it a try...
I did ... and it's better. I realized as I was experimenting that to some extent I (a) read the responses (b) make a brief comparison between the different levels of responses (c) respond when a phrase seems to match my perception because the other choices were less appropriate. This way I don't get to see all the different levels of choices together (like I can when I see the headings) that I'd like for my (b) comparison, but this is certainly better, especially since I know it's there now and can hold the cursor over the circle.
> Sorry, but I don't think I have any control over how big the dot is. I think it's standard, the same size on all "forms".
I don't have any insight into the technicalities behind all this (a good thing for me to learn, though!) but I would think that forms can be altered. Probably depends on software, though and maybe some compatability issues. But, that's outside my knowledge realm. So, this is probably the way it is as you've mentioned.
> Did you know you could make it larger? The window itself, not the text in the window:
>
> http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#settingsOh, I didn't know but have done it now. It's nice to have the bigger window to write in! Thanks!
Posted by 4WD on September 1, 2004, at 19:43:20
In reply to Assess the level of depressive symptoms, posted by Dr. Bob on August 20, 2004, at 11:24:26
What am I doing wrong? I choose the option to "assess" click on the choose option button and am immediately returned to the original screen?
Marsha
Posted by Dr. Bob on September 2, 2004, at 2:30:09
In reply to Re: Assess the level of depressive symptoms » Dr. Bob, posted by 4WD on September 1, 2004, at 19:43:20
> What am I doing wrong? I choose the option to "assess" click on the choose option button and am immediately returned to the original screen?
Hmm, weird. I've made a change to check something, give it another try now?
Also, a measure of health-related quality of life is now available for testing:
http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/sf-36.pl
Bob
Posted by 4WD on September 2, 2004, at 19:13:14
In reply to Re: Follow depressive symptoms and quality of life, posted by Dr. Bob on September 2, 2004, at 2:30:09
> > What am I doing wrong? I choose the option to "assess" click on the choose option button and am immediately returned to the original screen?
>
> Hmm, weird. I've made a change to check something, give it another try now?
>
> Also, a measure of health-related quality of life is now available for testing:
>
> http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/sf-36.pl
>
> Bob
Thanks, Dr. Bob. I tried it again, though, with the same results. I just get stuck in a feedback loop. No matter which option I choose (assess or review past test) when I click the "choose option button" it sends me right back to the original screen.Also, thank you for creating and maintaining this board. I have learned more here in two weeks than I already knew after being treated for depression for almost 20 years.
Marsha
Posted by Dr. Bob on September 2, 2004, at 21:19:06
In reply to Re: Follow depressive symptoms and quality of life » Dr. Bob, posted by 4WD on September 2, 2004, at 19:13:14
> I tried it again, though, with the same results.
Rats. What browser are you using? With Windows, I presume?
> Also, thank you for creating and maintaining this board. I have learned more here in two weeks than I already knew after being treated for depression for almost 20 years.
I'm glad it's helped! :-)
Bob
Posted by 4WD on September 2, 2004, at 21:29:02
In reply to Re: stuck in loop, posted by Dr. Bob on September 2, 2004, at 21:19:06
> > I tried it again, though, with the same results.
>
> Rats. What browser are you using? With Windows, I presume?
>
> > Also, thank you for creating and maintaining this board. I have learned more here in two weeks than I already knew after being treated for depression for almost 20 years.
>
> I'm glad it's helped! :-)
>
> Bob
I'm using Windows 2000 Professional. The browser is Internet Explorer with an Earthlink (my IP)interface. It's a brand new computer so I'm sure it's the newest version of IE. I do have Symantec's Internet Security installed but I can't imagine that would have anything to do with it. Earthlink and Norton both have pop-up blockers but again, I can't see how that would cause a problem.Thanks,
Marsha
Marsha
Posted by 4WD on September 2, 2004, at 21:41:20
In reply to Re: stuck in loop, posted by Dr. Bob on September 2, 2004, at 21:19:06
Okay, I've turned off all pop-up blockers and checked my Norton security settings and everything is in order but the dratted thing still won't let me access the test.
It's not like I can't live without it but I'd sure like to try it and besides, a computer problem/glitch is very annoying for a librarian who is supposed to know all about computers!
Thanks again...
Marsha
Posted by Lonely on September 2, 2004, at 22:14:14
In reply to Re: stuck in loop » Dr. Bob, posted by 4WD on September 2, 2004, at 21:41:20
Just a guess as occassionally I run into pages that won't load too. Sometimes it helps to Scan Disk and Defrag and completely shut down for a minute and then start up. No doubt this is very elementary for you so I'm just sort've throwing it out there with good intentions!
I had Norton at one time but there seemed to be so many glitches that I've tried to get rid of it. Unfortunately, a few tracks remain so I can't use McAfee either. Windows XP does have it's own firewall - is it possible it was downloaded and enabled?
Emptying the cache plus the recycle bin sometimes helps. AOL has a Computer Check button that supposedly checks out my pc and helps with slow or non-loading pages.
Re the test itself ... I tried the test myself without any problems (thankfully). It's interesting and I've thought of taking the tests w/me to my therapist (haven't yet) but, then, I guess I sort've knew approximately what the result would be anyhow. The message boards do help, though, as you've noted. Good luck!
> Okay, I've turned off all pop-up blockers and checked my Norton security settings and everything is in order but the dratted thing still won't let me access the test.
>
> It's not like I can't live without it but I'd sure like to try it and besides, a computer problem/glitch is very annoying for a librarian who is supposed to know all about computers!
>
> Thanks again...
>
> Marsha
Posted by 4WD on September 3, 2004, at 0:20:36
In reply to Re: stuck in loop, posted by Dr. Bob on September 2, 2004, at 21:19:06
I tweaked some settings and now it works!
Thanks,
Marsha
Posted by gardenergirl on September 3, 2004, at 1:16:31
In reply to Re: stuck in loop » Dr. Bob, posted by 4WD on September 3, 2004, at 0:20:36
Why do I find that song in my head how..."here I am stuck in the middle with you..."
;)
gg
Posted by Dr. Bob on September 3, 2004, at 10:09:16
In reply to Re: stuck in loop » Dr. Bob, posted by 4WD on September 3, 2004, at 0:20:36
> I tweaked some settings and now it works!
I did, too, so you can try untweaking yours if you want...
Bob
Posted by owenus32 on September 3, 2004, at 21:51:13
In reply to Re: Assess the level of depressive symptoms » Dr. Bob, posted by 4WD on September 1, 2004, at 19:43:20
I've dropped any idea od a social life whatsoever. I stopped AA and I am glued to the PC or books when not at work. Wow. I don't even think about it much but that test made me think.
Posted by Lonely on September 3, 2004, at 23:55:46
In reply to Re: Assess the level of depressive symptoms, posted by owenus32 on September 3, 2004, at 21:51:13
Fortunately, I was aware of some isolation and didn't like it but felt somewhat incapable (or unworthy?) of much social life. I'm trying to remedy that but it's actually real work to do so! Just got an email from a friend suggesting a Sun. aftn. trip to museum and I'm full of reasons not to go, among them my AA spouse. On the other hand I had a wonderful (although it took a lot of effort) time with an old colleague and friend yesterday when we went swimming and ate dinner together. It was a real booster and as my therapist pointed out today, I need more of those. The internet is a wonderful excellent tool for connecting with people I would otherwise not know but there's nothing like face-to-face arm-around-the-shoulder contact.
> I've dropped any idea od a social life whatsoever. I stopped AA and I am glued to the PC or books when not at work. Wow. I don't even think about it much but that test made me think.
Posted by Dr. Bob on September 9, 2004, at 0:22:49
In reply to Re: Follow depressive symptoms and quality of life, posted by Dr. Bob on September 2, 2004, at 2:30:09
> Also, a measure of health-related quality of life is now available for testing:
>
> http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/sf-36.plOK, I've reset the data file and removed the "beta" designation. Next is a measure of stress expected from life events:
http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/srrs.pl
Bob
Posted by badhaircut on September 9, 2004, at 15:26:08
In reply to Re: stress from life events, posted by Dr. Bob on September 9, 2004, at 0:22:49
> Next is a measure of stress expected from life events: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/srrs.pl
•1•
I realize in the 1960s questionnaires were usually sexist, but this is 2004. The last item, "Wife begin or stop work," can easily be made more inclusive. Would Elsevier object? We can adapt it so working moms with stay-at-home dads (for example) can answer this item, too.
If the precise figure for debt has been updated (I assume it has), these throwback terms can be, too.•2•
"Change in church activities". Again, we can excuse mild bigotry in the '60s, but for here & now, why not substitute "religious" for "church"? Surely it won't render the score meaningless if a non-Christian is allowed to answer this item.•3•
I still feel that not giving any information on how to interpret the CES-D or the SF-36 makes them less useful and more problematic even just for monthly self-tracking. (The justification given was that mentioning a cut-off score could confuse someone into thinking they had a medical diagnosis.)
But not giving any interpretive information about the stressful events score renders it, well, useless. Is 250 good? Is 40 bad? If it's just for tracking every 6 months and my score is 800, I'll be dead from a heart attack before I get to take it again. One item not considered on the SRRS: Getting an unexplained high score on an internet stress test! :DBob, I realize you're adding these things as a neat expansion of P-B, but providing completely dead-end numbers for deeply personal issues is likely to frustrate and confuse test-takers. Especially since people coming to this site are likely to be already upset in some way. I feel that plain-language interpretative information is needed for each of these tests. Such explanations exist at other prominent web sites that offer these tests (like the Mayo Clinic), and they can emphasize that no score is by itself diagnostic.
A link to this thread, while nice, is just not sufficient.
I'm being critical, so here's a hug. I love P-B, and I'm very glad you put so much into it.
-bhc
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