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Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D)

Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) Test

Understand how often you have felt depression symptoms over the past month in about 20 minutes. Get clear, easy-to-interpret results that can guide next steps and track changes over time.

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Questions: 2020 minutes

Hi! My name is Freudly, i am an AI therapist, I will give you an interpretation of the test after you complete it.

08:30

June 16, 2025

June 16, 2025
Material has been updated

June 16, 2025
Material has been published

19923 views

2739 completions

2068 likes

Scale Explorer

How the Scales are Structured

example score

30/60

Depression Level (DL)

Measures the overall frequency and intensity of depressive symptoms over the past month based on the CES-D total score.

Low

Moderate

High

0 – 19: Low | 20 – 39: Moderate | 40 – 60: High

A score of 30 falls in the Moderate range, indicating a moderate level of depressive symptoms during the past month.

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DATA-BASED USER COHORTS

Who Usually Takes This Test?

Feeling persistently low

41%OF USERS

People who have felt sad, empty, or unmotivated for weeks and want to check how often depression symptoms are showing up.

Tracking mood changes

34%OF USERS

People monitoring shifts in sleep, appetite, energy, and mood over the past month to see if things are improving or worsening.

Seeking a quick check-in

25%OF USERS

People who want a structured self-assessment to better describe what they’re experiencing before talking with a clinician or counselor.

BASED ON AGGREGATED, ANONYMIZED DATA FROM TENS OF THOUSANDS OF FREUDLY USERS.

RESULTS YOU CAN ACTUALLY USE

What You’ll See After You Finish the Test

Scale Results
— Explained Clearly

Your scores across each test scale, translated into plain, usable insights. Not just numbers, but what they actually mean for your daily life, emotional state, and overall well-being.

AI-Powered
Interpretation

A structured, clinically grounded explanation. Our AI analyzes patterns and relationships between scales to provide a coherent interpretation — without alarmist language.

Statistical
Comparison

See how you compare to others. Your scores are placed in a statistical context, showing percentiles and trends based on anonymized platform data to help you understand what`s typical.

Practical
Recommendations

Actionable guidance tailored to your profile. Receive clear, realistic suggestions you can apply immediately — focused on coping, self-regulation, and realistic next steps.

AI-Detected
Insights

Key patterns you might not notice on your own. Surfacing subtle connections in your responses that help you better understand what may be driving your current results.

Discuss with
an AI Psychologist

Clarify, reflect, and explore right away. Talk through your outcomes, ask questions, and explore meanings in a calm, non-diagnostic dialogue environment.

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Used in 52+ countries

Benchmarking

See How You Compare

Once you finish the test, your results will be compared with real-world data from people in your country.
Below is a preview of the benchmarks we use to place your score in context.

Depression level (Dl)

Average

27.4

Normal range

19.7 — 35.1

min.

max.

majority

This curve shows how scores are typically distributed.
Once you complete the test, your result will appear here so you can see where you land.

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CLEAR ANSWERS TO COMMON QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this questionnaire measure?

It measures how often common symptoms of depressed mood and related difficulties have occurred over the past month.

How are responses scored?

Each of the 20 items is rated from 0 to 3 based on symptom frequency. Higher total scores indicate more frequent symptoms.

What time period should be used when answering?

Answers should reflect the past month. Select the option that best matches the typical frequency during that period.

How long does it take to complete and how many questions are included?

The questionnaire includes 20 items. Estimated completion time is about 20 minutes.

What if an item does not seem to fit the current situation?

Choose the response that comes closest to the past month, even if the item does not match exactly. Avoid leaving items blank when possible.

WHAT THE TEST MEASURES

About This Assessment

Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) Test - Symptoms and Signs

depression

This self-report measure assesses the frequency of depressive symptoms experienced over a recent period. The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) is commonly used in clinical and research settings to characterize current symptom burden and to support screening and monitoring.

Developed by Radloff, L. S., it consists of 20 items and typically requires about 20 minutes to complete. Items are rated on a 4-point scale reflecting how often symptoms have occurred, covering affective, somatic, and interpersonal aspects of depression. Scores from the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) should be interpreted in the context of presenting concerns and other clinical information and are not, by themselves, diagnostic.

Author: Radloff, L. S.

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