Depression Screening Assessment

The Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale was developed by Dr. William W. K. Zung in 1965, and it is a widely used depression screening tool that is recognized by health professionals worldwide. The scale is designed to give you a better idea of the severity of your depression symptoms.

SCREENING ASSESSMENT DISCLAIMER:

This is a self-assessment tool; a self-report instrument intended for consciousness-raising and personal insights only. This is not a test in the technical sense and it is by no means a tool for diagnosing any type of health or mental health condition, nor a substitute for professional clinical help. Instead, please use this self-assessment tool to help you determine if you may benefit from seeing a mental health professional for diagnosis or support. This tool is best used in conjunction with the active participation of a mental health professional, e.g., Psychologist. If you suspect that you do need help, please consult with a mental health professional as soon as possible, regardless of your score on this test. Users should always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with any questions they have regarding their health.

In addition, this screening tool is not appropriate for, and should not be completed by persons under 18 years of age.

Integrated Health Specialists does not provide emergency crisis counselling. If you or someone else you know requires crisis counselling, please call Lifeline immediately on 13 11 14. Lifeline have a 24 hour telephone crisis support service.

Please click the “I agree” button to agree to the following statement before commencing your screening assessment:

  • I have read and fully understand that my assessment result does not represent a professional diagnosis and that this screening tool is for educational/personal awareness purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice.

Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS)

For each item below, please check the column which best describes how often you have felt or behaved this way during the past week and click SHOW RESULTS when you have finished.

A little of the timeSome of the timeGood part of the timeMost of the time
I feel down hearted and blue.
Morning is when I feel the best.
I have crying spells or feel like it.
I have trouble sleeping at night.
I eat as much as I used to.
I still enjoy sex.
I notice that I am losing weight.
I have trouble with constipation.
My heart beats faster than usual.
I get tired for no reason.
My mind is as clear as it used to be.
I find it easy to do the things I used to.
I am restless and can’t keep still.
I feel hopeful about the future.
I am more irritable than usual.
I find it easy to make decisions.
I feel that I am useful and needed.
My life is pretty full.
I feel that others would be better off if I were dead.
I still enjoy the things I used to do.
Show my results

Your Results

Your Depression score is out of a possible 80.

Screening test scoring ranges are as follows for your information:

  • 20-49 Normal Range
  • 50-59 Mildly Depressed
  • 60-69 Moderately Depressed
  • 70-80 Severely Depressed

(Source: William WK Zung.(1965) A Self-Rating Depression Scale. 12: Arch Gen Psychiatry 63-70.).Accurate diagnosis and treatment of depression should only be performed by a qualified mental health professional. This depression screening tool is intended for informational purposes only and may give you a better idea of the severity of your depression symptoms.  It is not designed to provide a diagnosis or treatment.