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How to Use the Beck Depression Inventory

Psychiatrist Aaron Beck invented the Beck Depression Inventory, a list of 21 questions derived from the actual phrases Dr. Beck frequently heard from his depressed patients. Today the test has been updated a number of times and continues to see widespread use throughout the mental health community. If you are feeling down or you are a therapist in need of better diagnostic tools, you may find value in this simple, multiple-choice survey.

Things You'll Need

  • Copy of the Beck Depression Inventory
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Instructions

  1. Take the Beck Depression Inventory Test

    • 1

      Find a quiet place and do your best to summon perspective for the test. It is not wise to sit down and answer these questions while you are in an altered state or otherwise occupied.

    • 2

      Answer the questions as honestly as you can. Do not try to second-guess the testing methodology or otherwise try to "game" your score. Simple, candid answers are likely to yield the clearest representation of your mood.

    • 3

      Score your test twice to avoid errors. When you have added up the value of your answers, check this number against the sliding scale Beck devised for the questionnaire. Anything above 10 may indicate some degree of depression, while scores in excess of 30 usually indicate severe depression.

    Seek Appropriate Treatment

    • 4

      Call a doctor and ask for a psych referral for your depression. Most physicians and treatment professionals will offer a number of resources you can use to get the help you need.

    • 5

      Visit doctors with your BDI in hand so you can use your answers as a starting point.

    • 6

      Follow your psychiatrist's prescribed course of therapy for several weeks before you decide whether it's working or not. Often some combination of antidepressants, psychodynamic therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy will yield promising results.

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