Beck Depression Inventory - II (BDI-II)
Clinical intent
The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), created by Aaron T. Beck, is a 21-question multiple-choice self-report inventory, one of the most widely used psychometric tests for measuring the severity of depression [1]. The BDI has been revised in 1996, partially due to concerns about the influence of somatic symptoms from medical illness on BDI scores. It is now named as BDI-II [2]. Its development marked a shift among mental health professionals, who had until then, viewed depression from a psychodynamic perspective, instead of it being rooted in the patient's own thoughts.
Calculation
The total score is produced by taking the sum of all the 21 items (scored 0-3). The total score can thus range from 0 to 63.
Clinical interpretation
Total scores ranges from 0 to 63. Higher total scores indicate more severe depressive symptoms.
| Total score | Levels of depression |
|---|---|
| [0,13] | Minimal depression |
| [14,19] | Mild depression |
| [20,28] | Moderate depression |
| [29,63] | Severe depression |
References
[1] Beck AT, Ward CH, Mendelson M, Mock J, Erbaugh J. An Inventory for Measuring Depression. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 1961;4(6):561–571. doi:10.1001/archpsyc.1961.01710120031004
[2] A.T. Beck, R. Steer, G.K. Brown Manual for the Beck Depression Inventory-II Psychological Corporation, San Antonio,TX (1996)
Pathway
Form preview
Interactive preview of the questionnaire. Not for clinical use. Responses are not stored.