What is Beck Depression Inventory Test Questionnaire?

The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) is a series of questions that measures measure the degree of depression to include the intensity, severity, and depth of depression in people whop have been diagnosed with a psychiatric problem. It contains 21 questions, that evaluate symptoms of depression. There is a shorter form comprised of seven questions for use by those who provide primary care. It was initially developed in 1961 by Aaron T. Beck, and has since undergone several revisions for adaptation.

There are three versions of the BDI—the original BDI, first published in 1961 and later revised in 1978 as the BDI-1A, and the BDI-II, published in 1996. The BDI is used as an evaluation tool by trained mental health care professionals.

While the BDI is designed for use by trained professionals, it can and has been self administered. The long form of the BDI has 21 questions or items, that have four possible answers that are assigned a score from zero to three, which denote the severity of symptoms. The short form of seven self-reported items, that relate to symptoms of depression existing for two weeks.

Questions on the longer form of the BDI BDI assess the following:

• Mood


• Pessimism


• Sense of failure


• Self-dissatisfaction,


• Guilt


• Punishment


• Self-dislike


• Self-accusation


• Suicidal ideas


• Crying


• Irritability


• Social withdrawal


• Body image


• Work difficulties


• Insomnia


• Fatigue


• Appetite


• Weight loss


• Bodily preoccupation


• Loss of libido

Questions 1 to 13 evaluate psychological symptoms, while items 14 to 21 evaluate physical symptoms. The total BDI score shows the degree of depression. The general population and people with a diagnosis of clinical depression are scored differently.
General population: A score of 21 or over represents depression.

Clinical Depression Scores:

scores from zero to nine indicate minimal depression
scores of ten to sixteen indicate mild depression
scores of seventeen to twenty-nine indicate moderate depression
scores of thirty to sixty-three indicate severe depression

The BDI can differentiate between subtypes of depression, such as major depression and dysthymia, which is a milder form of depression.

The BDI's reliability has been broadly tested using standards for psychological tests published in 1985. It has been shown to be consistent in over twenty-five studies of various populations. The Beck Depression Inventory Test has also proven to be valid and reliable, with results equivalent to clinician ratings of depression in more than ninety percent of all cases.

The Beck Depression Inventory Test Questionnaire is a helpful tool that helps mental health care professionals assess and evaluate the extent of major and clinical depression. Your health care professional may suggest this test for you if it is appropriate. Seek the advice of your doctor for further information.

by Barb Hicks, RN