Measurement Tools for Depression

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, depression is a mental disorder that causes persistent feelings of sadness or despair. Depression is a common disorder, and it can be disruptive in the lives of people who suffer from it and the people around them. Depression can be measured through certain tools and tests, and understanding the degree of depression can help direct treatment.

Beck Depression Inventory

• The Beck Depression Inventory was first published in 1961, and the Beck Depression Inventory II was published in 1996. It can be administered within 5 to 10 minutes, though patients with obsessional disorders or severe depression might take longer. The inventory uses 21 self-reporting items to assess the existence of depression and then the severity of its symptoms.

Zung Self-Rating Scale

• Created in 1965, the Zung Self-Rating Scale can be administered within 5 to 10 minutes. It contains 20 items that cover the pervasive effects of depression, the physiological equivalents, psychomotor activities and other disturbances.

Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale

• The Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale, often abbreviated to CES-D, contains 20 questions and takes 5 to 10 minutes to complete. This scale was developed for the diagnosis of depression in the general population and was carefully evaluated for use in subset populations, including those of African descent and people older than 64.