II. Background
- Twenty question survey completed by patient
- Likert Scale Format
- Asks half of questions positively and half negatively
- Negative Example: "I notice that I am losing weight"
- Positive Example: "I eat as much as I used to"
- Answers scored on 1 to 4 scale
- Minimal: None or a little of the time
- Severe: Most or all of the time
III. Questions (each answer scored between 1 to 4)
- Depressed mood
- Morning symptoms
- Crying
- Insomnia
- Diminished Appetite
- Weight loss
- Sexual interest
- Constipation
- Palpitations
- Fatigue
- Clouded reasoning
- Difficulty with completing tasks
- Difficult decision making
- Restlessness
- Lack of hope
- Irritability
- Diminished self esteem
- Life satisfaction
- Suicidal Ideation
- Anhedonia
IV. Interpretation
- Raw score converted to 100 point scale (SDS Index)
- SDS Index = (Raw Score / 80 total points) x 100
- SDS Index = Raw Score x 1.25
- SDS Index Score
- Score <50: Normal
- Score <60: Mild depression
- Score <70: Moderate or Marked Major Depression
- Score >70: Severe or Extreme Major Depression
V. Reference
VI. Resources
- University of Massachusetts Psychiatry Scales