Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) Test
How the Scales are Structured
Who Usually Takes This Test?
See How You Compare
Below is a preview of how scores are typically distributed across each scale.
Once you complete the test, your result will appear on the scale so you can see how you compare.
Example Questions From the Test
- Occasionally or none of the time (less than 1 day)
- Rarely (1–2 days)
- Often (3–4 days)
- Most of the time or all the time (5–7 days)
- Rarely or none of the time (less than 1 day)
- Some or a little of the time (1–2 days)
- Often (3–4 days)
- Most or all of the time (5–7 days)
- Less than 1 day
- Rarely (1–2 days)
- Occasionally (3–4 days)
- Most or all of the time (5–7 days)
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Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) Test - Symptoms and Signs
This self-report measure is used to screen for the presence and severity of depressive symptoms in community and clinical settings. The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) assesses how frequently common depressive experiences have occurred over a recent time frame, supporting identification of individuals who may benefit from further evaluation.
The instrument contains 20 items and typically requires about 4 minutes to complete. It is widely used for initial symptom screening, research applications, and monitoring symptom change over time; scores should be interpreted in clinical context and are not diagnostic on their own. The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) was developed by Lenore S. Radloff.