Depression Questionnaires Overview

Depression and Persons With Depression Questionnaires

Depression is a common mental health disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and lack of interest or pleasure in activities. It can significantly impact daily life and relationships. In diagnosing depression, clinicians often use self-reported measures known as questionnaires. These tools help assess symptoms, severity, and identify patient groups that may benefit from targeted interventions like psychological treatments. Some standardized questionnaires used to measure depressive symptoms include the Beck Depression Inventory, Patient Health Questionnaire, Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale, and Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale.

Beck Depression Inventory

The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) is a commonly used 21-item scale intended to measure the presence and severity of depressive symptomatology over the past two weeks using various statements. This inventory was developed by Aaron T. Beck in 1961. BDI scores range between 0 and 63. A cutoff score of 0-8 is associated with minimal depression, 9-13 with mild depression, 14-23 with moderate depression, 24-30 with moderately severe depression, and above 30 indicates severe depression.

Patient Health Questionnaire

The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) is a simple nine-question survey based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders criteria concerning major depression. The PHQ-9 is designed to screen for both minor and major depression, and it helps track treatment response. Scores range from 0 to 27, where higher scores indicate more significant depression. The American College of Physicians recommends standardized screening instruments for depression like the PHQ-9 during routine care.

Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale

The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) is a 20-item self-rating instrument designed primarily for use in nonclinical populations to assess the level of depressive symptoms present. CES-D measures symptoms such as depressed mood, somatic complaints, anxiety, and positive affect over the preceding week. Total raw scores range from 0 to 60.

Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale

The Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) is another widely used tool for measuring depression. Developed by Clarence Zung in 1965, the SDS consists of 20 items that patients rate on a four-point Likert scale. Higher total raw scores reflect increased levels of depression. An average score of 35 to 39 suggests mild depression, 40 to 49 suggests moderate depression, and 50 or above suggests severe depression.