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Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS)

Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) Test

Understand your level of depressive symptoms in about 15 minutes. A 20 item scale built for screening, tracking change over time, and supporting clinical research and early evaluation.

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Questions: 2015 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

18506 views

2257 completions

1637 likes

Scale Explorer

How the Scales are Structured

example score

50/80

Depression Level (DL)

Measures the overall severity of depressive symptoms based on the total score across 20 self-rated items.

Low

Moderate

High

20 – 39: Low | 40 – 59: Moderate | 60 – 80: High

A score of 50 falls in the Moderate range, indicating a mid-level presence of depressive symptoms on this scale.

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DATA-BASED USER COHORTS

Who Usually Takes This Test?

People feeling persistently low

41%OF USERS

They want a quick, structured way to gauge how strong their depressive symptoms have been recently.

Clients starting therapy

34%OF USERS

They take it to provide a baseline that can be discussed with a psychologist or psychiatrist during an initial assessment.

Clinicians and researchers tracking change

25%OF USERS

They use it repeatedly to monitor symptom severity over time in clinical practice, screenings, or medication studies.

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

41.6

Normal range

33.9 — 49.3

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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Trusted by 22k+ Users Worldwide

CLEAR ANSWERS TO COMMON QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions

Any questions left?

What does this questionnaire measure?

It screens the severity of depressive symptoms based on self-reported experiences. It supports differential evaluation of depressive states and related low-mood conditions.

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

It contains 20 statements. Typical completion time is about 15 minutes.

What time period should responses reflect?

Responses should reflect recent symptoms and functioning over the past several days to two weeks. Use the same time frame for all items.

How should the items be answered?

Select one response per statement that best matches symptom frequency or intensity. Answer every item without leaving blanks.

How are results used and what are the limits of interpretation?

Scores are used for screening, monitoring symptom change over time, and research purposes, including clinical studies and medication trials. Results do not confirm a diagnosis and should be interpreted alongside a clinical evaluation.

WHAT THE TEST MEASURES

About This Assessment

Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) Test

depression

This self-report instrument is used to quantify the severity of depressive symptoms, with attention to core affective, cognitive, and somatic features. The Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) was developed by William W. K. Zung and is commonly used in clinical and research contexts as a brief screening measure and for monitoring symptom change over time.

The measure consists of 20 items and typically requires about 15 minutes to complete. Scores from the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) are interpreted as an index of depressive symptom burden and should be considered alongside clinical interview findings, relevant history, and other assessment data rather than used as a stand-alone diagnostic determination.

Author: William W. K. Zung

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