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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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
18,508 views
2,264 completions
1,637 likes
Verified by Daniel Hall
Psychologist with 25 years of experience
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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
2039Low4059Moderate6080High
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

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.
Discuss with
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.
Depression Level (DL)
Average
41.6
Normal range
33.949.3
min.
20
max.
80
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 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 - Symptoms and Signs

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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