Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS)
Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale
Been feeling low, tired, or losing interest in things you used to enjoy? The Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) uses 20 items covering affective, somatic, and psychological symptoms.
When low mood lingers
Feeling sad or low is a normal part of life. But when that feeling sticks around for weeks, affects your sleep and appetite, and makes it hard to function, it may be depression.
The Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) asks about 20 symptoms covering emotional, physical, and psychological aspects of depression. Each item is rated on a 4-point scale based on how often you've experienced it recently.
What the scores mean
- 20–44: Normal range
- 45–59: Mild to moderate depression
- 60–74: Moderate to severe depression
- 75–80: Severe depression
About this scale
William Zung developed the SDS in 1965 as a brief, self-administered measure of depression severity. It has been widely used in primary care and research settings as a screening tool.
- Internal consistency: α = 0.80–0.90
- Completion time: 3–5 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 20 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.