The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) is a scientifically validated, self-report questionnaire that helps measure the severity of depression in individuals aged 13 and above. Originally developed in 1961 by Dr. Aaron T. Beck, a pioneer in cognitive behavioral therapy, the BDI has become one of the most widely used tools in psychology and mental health assessments worldwide. It is frequently used by clinicians, researchers, and individuals to detect depressive symptoms and monitor progress over time.
The BDI is composed of a set of statements grouped into different categories that represent common symptoms of depression. Each category presents a group of four statements ranked in increasing severity, and users are asked to choose the one that best describes their feelings over the past two weeks. The cumulative score provides an estimate of the intensity of depressive symptoms, from minimal to severe.
The inventory typically contains 13 to 21 items (depending on the version used), each addressing a specific symptom or attitude commonly associated with depression. These include:
Each response is scored on a scale from 0 to 3. The higher the total score, the greater the likelihood and severity of depression. The tool is straightforward to use and can be completed in about 5 to 10 minutes.
The BDI serves as an important screening tool in both clinical and non-clinical settings. It does not diagnose depression on its own but is valuable for:
Because of its simplicity and reliability, the BDI is often used in primary care, psychiatric evaluations, school counseling services, and online mental health platforms. It provides a valuable starting point for open conversations between individuals and professionals about mental health.
It’s important to note that while the BDI can highlight signs of depression, it should never replace a formal diagnosis by a licensed mental health professional. If you or someone you know scores in the moderate to severe range, it is strongly recommended to consult a psychologist, psychiatrist, or counselor for further evaluation and support.
The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) Calculator is a digital tool that helps you assess the severity of depressive symptoms by guiding you through a series of 13 structured questions. Each question presents a set of four statements, and you select the one that best describes how you've been feeling over the past two weeks. These statements represent varying levels of intensity for each symptom related to depression.
Each of the 13 questions addresses a specific area commonly affected by depression, such as mood, pessimism, self-esteem, fatigue, and interest in activities. For every question, you will choose one statement out of four, which ranges from no symptom (score of 0) to severe symptoms (score of 3). Here’s how it works:
You must answer all 13 questions to receive an accurate result. Try to answer honestly, based on your recent experiences, without overthinking.
Once all selections are made, the calculator instantly adds up the values associated with your answers to produce a total score. This total represents your level of depressive symptoms. Here's how the scoring typically works:
After clicking the "Calculate" button, your total score will be displayed in the "Score" field. This score can help you understand whether you may benefit from seeking additional support or talking to a mental health professional. However, keep in mind that the BDI Calculator is a screening tool and not a substitute for a clinical diagnosis.
The BDI Calculator is simple and easy to use. It is designed to help you reflect on your emotional and mental state by responding to a series of statements. Here’s how to get started:
Each section of the questionnaire (labeled A through M) presents one question with four answer choices. Follow these steps:
All questions must be answered to ensure the calculator works correctly. There are no right or wrong answers—just honest reflection.
After you have answered all 13 questions by selecting one response in each section:
Based on the score, you can get an idea of your current level of depressive symptoms. If your score suggests moderate to severe depression, consider speaking with a licensed mental health professional for further support.
The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) is structured into 13 sections, each labeled with a letter from A to M. Every section addresses a different symptom or emotional state commonly associated with depression. Understanding what each section measures can help you interpret your responses more effectively.
Assesses feelings of sadness or unhappiness, ranging from normal mood to overwhelming despair.
Measures your level of hope for the future and whether you feel discouraged or believe things will not improve.
Explores feelings of personal failure or inadequacy in life, relationships, or past efforts.
Looks at your ability to find joy or satisfaction in daily activities and life experiences.
Evaluates how often you feel guilty, ashamed, or believe you are undeserving of good things.
Assesses negative self-perception, such as disappointment, self-hatred, or feelings of disgust toward oneself.
Addresses the presence of thoughts about death, the desire to end one’s life, or specific plans for suicide.
Examines changes in your interest in people and social interaction, such as feeling isolated or ignored.
Measures your ability to make decisions, from mild indecisiveness to complete inability to choose.
Explores how you view your physical appearance, including concerns about attractiveness or self-worth.
Assesses your motivation and ability to carry out daily work or tasks, including effort levels and productivity.
Measures physical energy and endurance, from normal tiredness to extreme exhaustion preventing activity.
Evaluates changes in your eating habits, including decreased interest in food or complete loss of appetite.
Each of these sections contributes to your overall depression score. Together, they provide a fuller picture of your emotional and mental well-being.
After completing the BDI Calculator, you will receive a total score based on your selected responses. This score is a general indicator of the severity of depressive symptoms you may be experiencing. It’s important to interpret the score thoughtfully and consider it as part of a bigger picture that includes your overall emotional, physical, and social well-being.
Here is a general guide to help you understand what your total score might suggest:
Please note that individual experiences vary, and scores may not reflect every aspect of your mental health. It’s possible to feel deeply distressed even with a low score, or to appear fine externally despite a high score. Self-assessments are only a starting point.
If your score falls within the moderate to severe range (8 or higher), it is strongly recommended that you consult a licensed mental health professional such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, or counselor. You should also seek help if:
The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) is a widely used self-report questionnaire designed to assess the severity of depressive symptoms in individuals. It consists of multiple-choice questions that measure different aspects of depression, such as mood, self-perception, and physical symptoms.
The BDI uses a scoring system where each question is rated on a scale from 0 to 3. The total score is obtained by summing the responses for all items, with higher scores indicating more severe depressive symptoms. The interpretation is as follows:
No, the BDI is not a diagnostic tool. It is a screening measure that helps assess the severity of depressive symptoms. A proper diagnosis should be made by a qualified healthcare professional based on a comprehensive clinical evaluation.
The BDI can be used by individuals experiencing depressive symptoms, mental health professionals for clinical assessment, researchers studying depression, and healthcare providers monitoring treatment progress.
The BDI typically takes 5 to 10 minutes to complete, depending on the individual. It is designed to be quick and easy to use while providing valuable insights into depression severity.
The BDI is generally used for adults and adolescents aged 13 and older. For younger children, other assessment tools may be more appropriate.
Yes, many online platforms offer the BDI for self-assessment. However, online results should not be considered a formal diagnosis. If you score high on the BDI, it is recommended to seek professional help.
If your score suggests moderate or severe depression, consider consulting a healthcare professional for further evaluation and support. Depression is a treatable condition, and early intervention can lead to better outcomes.
Yes, the BDI can be administered at different points to monitor changes in depressive symptoms. It is useful for tracking treatment effectiveness and determining whether adjustments are needed.
Yes, the BDI relies on self-reporting, which may be influenced by personal perception, mood at the time of assessment, or social desirability bias. Additionally, it does not distinguish between depression and other mental health conditions, so clinical interpretation is essential.
The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) Calculator is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a diagnostic tool and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, clinical diagnosis, or mental health treatment. The calculator is intended to assist individuals and healthcare professionals in evaluating the severity of depressive symptoms, but it must be interpreted within the context of a comprehensive clinical assessment by a qualified mental health professional.
Scores generated by this tool are based on user responses and may be affected by individual interpretation, current emotional state, and self-reporting biases. The results are not definitive and do not confirm the presence or absence of depression or any other mental health condition.
If you are experiencing persistent sadness, hopelessness, loss of interest in activities, suicidal thoughts, or any other signs of depression, it is essential to seek help from a licensed healthcare provider or mental health specialist. If you or someone you know is in crisis or at risk of self-harm, please contact emergency services or a suicide prevention hotline in your area immediately.
Use of this calculator implies acknowledgment and acceptance of this disclaimer. The creators and distributors of this tool disclaim any liability for consequences arising from its use or interpretation.