An expert panel believes that is you visit your family doctor’s office, a depression screening should be part of the normal proess.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has recommended that family doctors regularly screen patients for depression using a standardized questionnaire that can detect warning signs — and could even be downloaded online and filled out ahead of time, according to a HealthDay News report from WebMD Health Corp.

Patients that show signs of depression would then be sent a a specialist for a full diagnosis and possible treatment, which may include prescribing medication or therapy or even both.

The questionnaires can be completed in just minutes, and doctors could review the results. In fact, it could be completed by the patient as they sit in the waiting room or even before the visit.

Experts believe about 7 percent of people nationwide suffer from depression, although only half of them have actually been diagnosed.

And depression is serious business when it comes to health. Not only does it lead to a lower mental state of well-being, but it also affects the body physically. People who have depression tend to miss work and not function as well, and are often less motivated to exercise and may let their diets get out of control. Depression is linked to a litany of serious chronic diseases.

As a result, it makes sense for family doctors to perform screening for depression, since it will have a big impact on their physical health. Studies show that just 25 percent of people suffering from depression look for professional help, whereas 90 percent could be diagnosed properly if they were screened beforehand.