Free Beck Depression Inventory Online Test

The below quiz has been developed using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), one of the most widely used tools for measuring the severity of depression.

For the most accurate result, answer the questions as honestly as possible. Your answers are not being stored and this quiz is anonymous. 

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The Role of the Beck Depression Inventory

Developed by Dr. Aaron T. Beck, The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) consists of 21 questions, each addressing a specific symptom or attitude related to depression. These questions cover a range of emotional, cognitive, and physical symptoms, from sadness and pessimism to fatigue and sleep disturbances.

The BDI’s straightforward format allows individuals to complete it independently, offering them privacy and autonomy in managing their mental health.

However, it’s crucial to remember that while the BDI is a powerful tool for self-assessment, it does not replace professional diagnosis and treatment.

Instead, it should prompt further discussion with a healthcare provider, guiding the path to appropriate care and support.

How the BDI Works

The BDI operates on a point system, where each response is assigned a score from 0 to 3, reflecting the intensity or frequency of the symptoms experienced.

The total score, a sum of all reactions, then falls into one of several categories indicating the depression’s severity: minimal, mild, moderate, or severe.

Sample Questions from the BDI

The BDI is often administered in a way that ensures your answers remain anonymous, allowing you to express your true feelings without concern for judgment or exposure. This level of privacy encourages a frank and truthful reflection on your symptoms.

These examples illustrate the BDI’s range in evaluating the emotional, cognitive, and physical dimensions of depression:

  • Mood: “I do not feel sad” to “I am so sad or unhappy that I can’t stand it.”
  • Pessimism: “I am not particularly discouraged about the future” to “I feel the future is hopeless and things cannot improve.”
  • Sense of Failure: “I do not feel like a failure” to “I feel I am a complete failure.”