Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS)
20-item depression screening for general population
How have you been feeling? The Zung SDS uses 20 items to screen for depressive symptoms across affective, somatic, psychological, and behavioral domains. Takes 5-8 minutes. Screening tool, not diagnostic.
Have you been feeling down for a while now?
Depression is more than just feeling sad. It affects how you think, feel, and function. Core symptoms include persistent sadness, loss of interest in things you once enjoyed (anhedonia), and low energy.
About the SDS
The Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) was developed by William W. K. Zung in 1965. It uses 20 items to assess depressive symptoms across four domains:
- Affective domain: mood, crying spells
- Somatic domain: sleep, appetite, fatigue
- Psychological domain: confusion, hopelessness, irritability
- Behavioral domain: diminished activity, loss of interest
Scoring
Each item is rated on a frequency scale (1 = a little of the time, 4 = most of the time).
| Raw Score | Index | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Higher | More severe |
Notes
- Internal consistency: alpha = 0.82-0.92; convergent validity with Hamilton Rating Scale: r = 0.60-0.80
- This is a screening tool, not a diagnostic instrument
- If your score is elevated or you have concerns, please speak with a qualified mental health professional
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.