Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) Test
Understand risk for depressive symptoms in about 3 minutes. This 20 item screen spots mild to severe concerns fast and supports clearer follow up.
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
Scale Explorer
How the Scales are Structured
DATA-BASED USER COHORTS
Who Usually Takes This Test?
BASED ON AGGREGATED, ANONYMIZED DATA FROM TENS OF THOUSANDS OF FREUDLY USERS.
RESULTS YOU CAN ACTUALLY USE
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.
Below is a preview of how scores are typically distributed across each scale.
Depression Index (DI)
Average
80
Normal range
68.7 — 91.4
min.
25
max.
100
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.
Once you complete the test, your result will appear on the scale so you can see how you compare.
Raw score (Rs)
Average
43.4
Normal range
32.7 — 54.1
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.
Once you complete the test, your result will appear on the scale so you can see how you compare.
Featured On
CLEAR ANSWERS TO COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this questionnaire measure?
It screens for the presence and severity of depressive symptoms. It covers mood, energy, anxiety-related features, and physical complaints commonly linked to depression.
How long does it take and how many items are included?
It includes 20 items and typically takes about 3 minutes to complete.
How should responses be selected?
Select the option that best matches how symptoms have been experienced recently. Answer all items using the first response that seems accurate.
Can results be used to diagnose depression?
Results indicate symptom level and whether further evaluation may be needed. A clinical diagnosis requires a qualified professional assessment.
How are scores interpreted and used?
Higher scores indicate more frequent or more severe symptoms. Results are commonly used for screening, baseline measurement, and monitoring change over time.
WHAT THE TEST MEASURES
About This Assessment
Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) Test - Symptoms and Signs
This self-report measure is designed to screen for current depressive symptom burden using brief, structured ratings. The Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) asks respondents to rate the frequency of common affective, cognitive, and somatic symptoms.
It includes 20 items and typically takes about 3 minutes to complete. Results are generally interpreted as an index of symptom severity and are commonly used for initial screening and to support clinical follow-up rather than as a stand-alone diagnosis.
The Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) may be useful in clinical and research contexts for monitoring symptom change over time and identifying individuals who may benefit from more comprehensive assessment.
Author: william-w-k-zung
Literature: Beck, A. T., Rush, A. J., Shaw, B. F., & Emery, G. Cognitive therapy of depression. Guilford Press. 1979.; American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (4th ed.). American Psychiatric Association. 1994.; Zung, W. W. K. A self-rating depression scale. Archives of General Psychiatry. 1965.; Dunstan, D. A., & Scott, N. Clarification of the cut-off score for Zung’s self-rating depression scale. BMC Psychiatry. 2019.
Comments
Leave a Comment