The Beck Depression Inventory is one of the most well-known international measures of depression. It is a self-report questionnaire consisting of 21 multiple-choice questions. These questions assess daily life situations and depressive symptoms experienced by the individual, including mood state, pessimism, irritability, to measure the severity of symptoms. It can also be used to detect initial depressive thinking.
The scale was first developed in 1961 by the renowned psychologist Aaron Beck. The Beck Depression Inventory was later revised and updated in 1996 to become the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), a shorter version consisting of only 13 questions.
Both versions of the Beck Depression Inventory are known for their accuracy and international comprehensiveness as indicators of changes and symptoms of depression.
Beck Depression Inventory: What is the nature of the test?
The test consists of a set of questions that are answered on a four-point scale ranging from 0-3 based on severity, with 0 indicating the absence of the symptom and 3 indicating severe symptoms. The total score is then calculated and categorized on a scale ranging from 0-63 to diagnose the level of depression in the individual.
The test includes the following questions, which revolve around depressive symptoms. The individual chooses the statement that best matches their daily life situations and feelings:
- Feeling sad most of the time.
- Pessimism about the future.
- Feelings of failure and frustration.
- Loss of pleasure in life.
- Loss of sexual desire.
- Constant feelings of guilt towards everything.
- Self-blame for everything that happens.
- Self-hatred and punishment.
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide.
- Persistent desire to cry.
- Indecision and difficulty making decisions.
- Loss of energy and enthusiasm for routine life.
- Irritability.
- Loss of appetite and weight loss.
- Changes in sleep patterns.
Test Results
The scores from all questions are added up to determine the total score, which is then classified to diagnose the level of depression according to the following table:
0-10: No depression
11-16: Mild depression
17-20: Moderate depression
21-30: Severe depression
31-40: Very severe depression
41-63 and above: Extreme depression
Completing the Beck Depression Inventory takes approximately 10-15 minutes.
After the Beck Depression Inventory
After assessing an individual’s mental state and measuring their level of depression using the Beck Depression Inventory, the treating physician will choose the appropriate treatment method based on the results and a physical examination. The following are the post-assessment treatment options:
- Medications
Antidepressant medications may be prescribed to help regulate brain chemistry. These medications are not sedatives and do not have any negative effects on individuals with depression. They are usually taken for several weeks, depending on the individual’s health status. - Psychotherapy
Sometimes, psychotherapy and talk therapy sessions alone may be sufficient to treat mild cases of depression. However, for moderate to severe depression, a combination of medication and psychotherapy is commonly prescribed. Cognitive-behavioral therapy sessions focus on changing negative thoughts and behaviors and responding positively. - Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)
This type of therapy is used for severe cases of depression that do not respond to other treatment methods. It involves electrically stimulating the brain while the patient is under anesthesia. Patients typically receive ECT two to three times a week, resulting in a total of six to twelve treatments after undergoing the Beck Depression Inventory.