Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia (CDSS) Test

Example Questions From the Test

• 1Depression. Over the past 2 weeks, how have you been feeling in yourself: have you been reasonably cheerful, or have you been feeling depressed or low in spirits?
  • Absent.
  • Mild—expresses some sadness and feeling low.
  • Moderate—clearly depressed mood for up to half of the time over the past 2 weeks; present daily.
  • Severe—marked depressed mood, present daily for more than half of the time; interferes with normal physical and social functioning.
• 2Hopelessness. How do you see your future? Can you imagine any future, or does life seem quite hopeless? Have you given up, or do you feel there is some reason to try to do something?
  • Absent
  • Mild – during the past week, feelings of hopelessness were present from time to time, but there is still some hope for the future.
  • Moderate – a persistent, moderately severe feeling of hopelessness during the past week. The patient can be persuaded that things may improve.
  • Severe – a persistent and distressing feeling of hopelessness.
• 3Self-depreciation. How do you evaluate yourself compared with other people? Do you think you are better or worse, or about the same as most others? Do you feel inferior or even worthless?
  • Absent
  • Mild — feels somewhat inferior, but not to the point of feeling worthless.
  • Moderate — feels worthless, but less than 50% of the time.
  • Severe — feels worthless more than 50% of the time. Can be reassured.