Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II)
Beck Depression Inventory-II
Have you been feeling down, hopeless, or losing interest in things you used to enjoy? The Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) measures depression severity over the past 2 weeks. 21 items. Takes 5-10 minutes.
When sadness becomes something more
Everyone feels down sometimes. But when low mood persists for weeks, affects sleep and appetite, and saps the joy from things you used to enjoy, it may be depression.
The Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) asks about 21 common symptoms of depression — from sadness and guilt to fatigue and changes in appetite. Each item uses a 0–3 scale describing increasing severity.
What the scores mean
- 0–13: Minimal depression
- 14–19: Mild depression
- 20–28: Moderate depression
- 29–63: Severe depression
About this scale
Aaron Beck developed the original BDI in 1961, with the revised BDI-II published in 1996 to better align with DSM-IV criteria. It's still widely used in research and clinical settings.
- Internal consistency: α = 0.92
- Test-retest reliability: r = 0.93
- Completion time: 5–10 minutes
This is a screening tool, not a diagnosis. If your score concerns you, speaking with a healthcare professional is the best next step.
Result Interpretation
After completing the 21 questions, you'll receive an immediate, detailed report with:
- Your score — calculated automatically based on your responses
- Score interpretation — what your score means in practical terms
- Context — how your results compare to general population norms where available
All results are displayed on screen. No account or login needed.