Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS)
20-item depression screening for general population
How have you been feeling? The Zung SDS is a 20-item measure of depressive symptoms across affective, somatic, psychological, and behavioral domains. Takes 5-8 minutes. Screening tool, not diagnostic.
What Is the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS)?
Feelings of depression can creep up gradually. The SDS helps you see where you stand. William W.K. Zung developed this 20-item scale in 1965 to measure how often depressive symptoms have been bothering you recently. It covers emotional, physical, and psychological domains.
How It Works
Each item is rated on a 4-point scale:
* 1 = None or a little of the time * 2 = Some of the time * 3 = Good part of the time * 4 = Most or all of the time
Ten items are reverse-scored (items 2, 5, 6, 11, 12, 14, 16, 17, 18, 20).
What SDS Measures
Affective symptoms: Sadness, crying spells, irritability Cognitive symptoms: Confusion, hopelessness, indecisiveness, worthlessness Somatic symptoms: Sleep disturbance, fatigue, appetite changes, weight changes, psychomotor changes Psychological symptoms: Emptiness, dissatisfaction, suicidal ideation
Score Interpretation
| Standard Score | Severity | Description |
|---|---|---|
| < 50 | Normal | No clinically significant depression |
| 50–59 | Mild | Mild depressive symptoms |
| 60–69 | Moderate | Significant depression, professional support recommended |
| ≥ 70 | Severe | Severe depression, immediate professional consultation recommended |
* You have been feeling down or hopeless for weeks * You have lost interest in activities you once enjoyed * Your sleep or appetite has changed significantly * You want to monitor treatment progress
Scoring Guide
Raw 20-80. Std index=raw*1.25 (range 25-100). 10 reverse (2,5,6,11,12,14,16,17,18,20). Raw: <=39 Normal, 40-47 Mild, 48-55 Moderate, >=56 Severe.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.
参考文献
Zung WW. A self-rating depression scale. Archives of General Psychiatry. 1965;12:63-70. DOI