Beck's scale, also known as the Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI), is a self-report questionnaire designed to measure the severity of depressive symptoms in individuals. Developed by Aaron T. Beck in 1961, it remains an essential tool for psychologists, researchers, and clinicians in assessing and diagnosing depression.
The Beck's scale consists of twenty-one multiple-choice questions, each representing a symptom associated with depression, such as sadness, hopelessness, guilt, loss of interest, and physical symptoms. Individuals are instructed to select the option that best reflects their experiences during the past two weeks. Each response is assigned a score, ranging from 0 to 3, with higher scores indicating more severe depressive symptoms.
By summing the scores obtained from each item, a total score is calculated, which is then interpreted based on predetermined cut-off points. These cut-off points help identify the severity of depression, ranging from minimal, mild, moderate, to severe. Additionally, the questionnaire can also provide valuable insights into specific aspects of depression, such as emotional, cognitive, and somatic symptoms, aiding in treatment planning and monitoring progress.
Although Beck's scale is widely used, it is important to note that it is not a diagnostic tool on its own and should always be complemented with a comprehensive clinical evaluation. It is most effective when used in conjunction with other assessments and considerations of the individual's context and history.
