Zung self-rating depression scale

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The Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) is a depression self-test that measures your current depression level. It was originally developed by W.W. Zung to test the level of depression in patients diagnosed with depression.

The Zung self-rating depression scale assesses the various psychological as well as somatic symptoms associated with depression. It measures common characteristics of depression- the pervasive effect, physiological equivalents, psychomotor activities, and other disturbances.

Taking the Zung depression test

The test consists of 20 items on a 4-point scale ranging from ‘A little of the time’ to ‘Most of the time’. Based on your score, you’ll be classified into one of the different depression ranges– Normal range, Mildly depressed, Moderately depressed, and Severely depressed.

While answering the items, think about what describes you most accurately for the past several days.

You’ll obtain the test results instantly after you finish the questionnaire and hit the ‘Submit’ button. Your personal information will not be collected and your test results won’t be stored in our database. The test takes around 5-10 minutes to complete.

In case the results show that you’re depressed, it’s recommended that you consult with a mental health professional for a more thorough analysis. Results from a battery of tests are always more reliable than from a single test.

Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale

1. I feel down-hearted and blue.

2. Morning is when I feel the best.

3. I have crying spells or feel like it.

4. I have trouble sleeping at night.

5. I eat as much as I used to.

6. I still enjoy sex.

7. I notice that I am losing weight.

8. I have trouble with constipation.

9. My heart beats faster than usual.

10. I get tired for no reason.

11. My mind is as clear as it used to be.

12. I find it easy to do the things I used to.

13. I am restless and can’t keep still.

14. I feel hopeful about the future.

15. I am more irritable than usual.

16. I find it easy to make decisions.

17. I feel that I am useful and needed.

18. My life is pretty full.

19. I feel that others would be better off if I were dead.

20. I still enjoy the things I used to do.

Reference:

Zung, W. W. (1965). A self-rating depression scale. Archives of general psychiatry, 12(1), 63-70.