The Beck Scale for Depression (also known as the BDI test or simply the BDI) is a 21-item, self-report instrument for measuring depressive symptoms. It is one of the most widely used tools for assessing depression in clinical practice and research studies.
The scale was Beck Scale for Depression. Beck, a prominent psychiatrist who brought new insights to the diagnosis of mood disorders. The BDI is just one of his many important works, including the Beck Anxiety Inventory and the Beck Hopelessness Scale.
To complete the BDI, you must answer each question with the choice that best describes how you have felt over the past two weeks, counting today. The items ask you to choose from a list of statements that include: sadness, pessimism, loss of interest or pleasure in activities, feelings of failure or worthlessness, hopelessness, irritability, difficulty concentrating, feeling guilty or worthless, and recurrent suicidal thoughts.
Becks Depression Inventory II: A Tool for Assessing Mood Disorders
BDI-II dropped four items of the original BDI (weight loss, body image change, somatic preoccupation and work difficulties) in favor of aggravating symptoms such as indecisiveness, worthlessness and concentration difficulty. Several studies have analyzed the psychometric properties of the instrument using confirmatory factor analysis, and scores on this scale have been found to discriminate between clinical and control samples with acceptable internal consistency.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of depression, it is important to see a medical professional as soon as possible. Depression is a serious condition that can be treated with psychotherapy or medication. Psychotherapy can help you find emotional support and coping mechanisms, while antidepressants can address the chemical imbalance that is associated with depression.
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