Columbia Depression Scale (DISC) Test

Quickly gauges teen suicide risk and emotional distress in about 9 minutes. Includes teen, parent, and educator forms with 44 items to support timely, confident intervention.

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Questions: 449 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

October 2, 2025

October 2, 2025
Material has been updated

October 2, 2025
Material has been published

13,841 view

1,616 completions

1,420 likes

Verified by Daniel Hall

Psychologist with 25 years of experience

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How the Scales are Structured

example score

17/44

Suicide Risk Level (SRL)

Assesses the current level of suicide risk based on reported thoughts and behaviors to guide the need for further evaluation or monitoring.

Low

Moderate

High

0 – 14: Low | 15 – 19: Moderate | 20 – 44: High

A score of 17 falls in the Moderate range, indicating elevated warning signs compared with low risk and suggesting closer follow-up may be warranted.

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DATA-BASED USER COHORTS

Who Usually Takes This Test?

Concerned parents and guardians

41%OF USERS

Parents take it when they notice mood changes, withdrawal, self-harm hints, or worrying statements and want a quick, structured check of suicide risk.

School counselors and educators

34%OF USERS

Teachers, counselors, and school psychologists use it when a student shows warning signs or after a crisis to decide who needs immediate support.

Teenagers seeking clarity

25%OF USERS

Teens complete it when they feel persistently low, anxious, or hopeless and want help describing what’s going on to an adult or clinician.

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

RESULTS YOU CAN ACTUALLY USE

Scale Results
— Explained Clearly

Your scores across each test scale are translated into plain, usable insights. You won’t just get numbers — you’ll learn how your results impact your daily life, emotional state, and overall well-being.

AI-Powered
Interpretation

You’ll receive a structured, clinically-grounded explanation. Our AI analyzes patterns and relationships between scales to provide a coherent interpretation, without exaggerated language.

Statistical
Comparison

See how your results compare to others. Anonymized platform data is used to create a percentile scale, which identifies whether your results are typical.

Practical
Recommendations

You’ll receive clear, actionable guidance tailored to your profile. These easy-to-implement suggestions focus on coping, self-regulation, and realistic next steps.

AI-Powered
Insights

Get insights on behavioral and thought patterns you might not notice on your own. By uncovering subtle connections between your responses, you’ll better understand what may be driving your current results.

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an AI Therapist

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

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Used in 52+ countries

Benchmarking

See How You Compare

Once you complete the test, your results are compared with real-world data from people in your country.
Below is a preview of how scores are typically distributed across each scale.

Level of Suicide Risk (LoSR)

Average

12.6

Normal range

4.8 — 20.4

min.

max.

Majority

This curve shows how scores are typically distributed.
Once you complete the test, your result will appear on the scale so you can see how you compare.

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CLEAR ANSWERS TO COMMON QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this screening measure?

It screens for depression-related symptoms and suicide risk indicators in adolescents. Results support decisions about follow-up assessment and safety planning.

Who can complete the forms?

There are versions for adolescents ages 11 and older, for parents or caregivers, and for educators. Using more than one version can provide additional context.

How long does it take and how many items are included?

It includes 44 questions and usually takes about 9 minutes to complete. Time may vary based on reading level and response pace.

How should items be answered?

Items should be answered honestly based on recent thoughts, mood, and behavior. Only one response should be selected for each item unless the form states otherwise.

What should be done if responses indicate possible imminent risk?

Arrange an immediate clinical risk evaluation and ensure supervision until safety is confirmed. If there is imminent danger, contact local emergency services or the on-call crisis team without delay.

WHAT THE TEST MEASURES

About This Assessment

Columbia Depression Scale (DISC) Test - Symptoms and Signs

depression suicidal risk

In adolescent clinical and school settings, brief measures can support early identification of depressive symptoms and related safety concerns. The Columbia Depression Scale (DISC) is a screening questionnaire intended to help clinicians and other trained professionals identify depression-related concerns in minors and determine whether further assessment is warranted.

Developed by Maria Kovacs, it includes 44 items and typically takes about 9 minutes to complete. The Columbia Depression Scale (DISC) may be administered as self-report for adolescents and can also be completed by informants (e.g., caregivers or educators) to incorporate collateral perspectives when available. Results should be interpreted in the context of clinical interview and other relevant information, and any indication of acute risk should prompt immediate, appropriate safety evaluation and follow-up.

Author: aaron-t-beck, Maria Kovacs

Literature: Joiner, T. E. Why people die by suicide. Harvard University Press. 2005.

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