Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) Assessment
A comprehensive 21-item self-report depression assessment used by healthcare professionals worldwide. Based on the Beck Depression Inventory framework developed by Dr. Aaron T. Beck.
Last Updated: February 2026
About the Beck Depression Inventory
The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) is one of the most widely used and researched instruments for measuring depression severity. Originally developed by Dr. Aaron T. Beck in 1961 and revised multiple times (most recently as the BDI-II in 1996), it has been used in thousands of research studies and clinical settings worldwide.
Unlike brief screeners like the PHQ-9, the BDI provides a more comprehensive assessment by evaluating 21 different symptoms and attitudes associated with depression. This makes it particularly useful for:
- Detailed assessment of depression severity
- Tracking changes in symptoms over time
- Research and clinical trials
- Identifying specific symptom clusters
📋 What This Assessment Measures
This 21-item assessment evaluates both cognitive and physical symptoms of depression including: sadness, pessimism, past failure, loss of pleasure, guilty feelings, punishment feelings, self-dislike, self-criticalness, suicidal thoughts, crying, agitation, loss of interest, indecisiveness, worthlessness, loss of energy, sleep changes, irritability, appetite changes, concentration difficulty, fatigue, and loss of interest in sex.
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
This is a screening tool, NOT a diagnostic instrument. Only a qualified healthcare professional can diagnose depression. Question 9 asks about suicidal thoughts—if you are having such thoughts, please reach out for help immediately by calling 988 or going to your nearest emergency room.
Beck Depression Inventory Assessment
For each group of statements, select the one that best describes how you have been feeling during the past two weeks, including today.
Understanding BDI Scores
The Beck Depression Inventory total score ranges from 0 to 63. Higher scores indicate more severe depression. Standard cutoff scores are:
About the Beck Depression Inventory
History and Development
The Beck Depression Inventory was developed by Dr. Aaron T. Beck, a psychiatrist often called the "father of cognitive therapy." The original BDI was published in 1961, making it one of the oldest and most established depression assessment tools.
The BDI has gone through several revisions:
- BDI (1961): Original version with 21 items
- BDI-IA (1979): Revised wording for clarity
- BDI-II (1996): Updated to align with DSM-IV criteria, current standard
Why the BDI Matters
The BDI has been used in over 2,000 empirical studies and is considered a gold standard in depression research. Its strengths include:
- Comprehensive coverage of both cognitive and somatic symptoms
- Strong reliability and validity
- Sensitivity to change (useful for tracking treatment progress)
- Extensive research base and norms
📊 Psychometric Properties
- Internal consistency: Cronbach's alpha typically 0.86-0.91
- Test-retest reliability: 0.73-0.96
- Sensitivity: 79-84% for major depression
- Specificity: 82-89% for major depression
Two Subscales
The BDI can be divided into two subscales:
- Cognitive-Affective (Items 1-14): Psychological symptoms like sadness, pessimism, guilt, self-criticism
- Somatic-Performance (Items 15-21): Physical symptoms like sleep, appetite, energy, concentration
Understanding Depression Symptoms
The BDI assesses 21 symptom areas that research has identified as characteristic of depression:
Cognitive-Affective Symptoms
- Sadness: Persistent low mood
- Pessimism: Negative view of the future
- Past Failure: Dwelling on perceived failures
- Loss of Pleasure: Anhedonia, inability to enjoy
- Guilty Feelings: Excessive or inappropriate guilt
- Punishment Feelings: Feeling deserving of punishment
- Self-Dislike: Negative self-perception
- Self-Criticalness: Harsh self-judgment
- Suicidal Thoughts: Thoughts of death or self-harm
- Crying: Increased tearfulness
- Agitation: Restlessness, inability to relax
- Loss of Interest: Withdrawal from activities/people
- Indecisiveness: Difficulty making decisions
- Worthlessness: Feeling valueless
Somatic-Performance Symptoms
- Loss of Energy: Fatigue, low motivation
- Sleep Changes: Insomnia or hypersomnia
- Irritability: Increased frustration/anger
- Appetite Changes: Eating more or less
- Concentration Difficulty: Trouble focusing
- Tiredness/Fatigue: Physical exhaustion
- Loss of Interest in Sex: Decreased libido
🚨 When to Seek Immediate Help
Seek immediate help if you experience:
- Thoughts of suicide or self-harm (Question 9)
- A plan to harm yourself
- Inability to care for yourself or others
- Psychotic symptoms (hallucinations, delusions)
Call 988, text HOME to 741741, or go to your nearest emergency room.
Treatment Options for Depression
Depression is highly treatable. The American Psychiatric Association estimates that 80-90% of people with depression eventually respond well to treatment.
🗣️ Psychotherapy
Talk therapy is highly effective, especially for mild to moderate depression:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Developed by Dr. Beck himself, CBT helps identify and change negative thought patterns. The most researched therapy for depression.
- Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): Focuses on improving relationship patterns and communication
- Behavioral Activation: Increases engagement in positive activities
- Psychodynamic Therapy: Explores unconscious patterns and past experiences
💊 Medication
Antidepressants are often effective, especially for moderate to severe depression:
- SSRIs: Prozac, Zoloft, Lexapro, Celexa - first-line treatment
- SNRIs: Effexor, Cymbalta, Pristiq
- Atypical: Wellbutrin, Remeron
- Tricyclics & MAOIs: Older medications, still effective
Note: Medications typically take 2-6 weeks to show full effect. Work with your doctor to find the right medication.
⚡ Other Treatments
- Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT): Highly effective for severe, treatment-resistant depression
- Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS): Non-invasive brain stimulation
- Ketamine/Esketamine: Newer rapid-acting treatment options
- Light Therapy: Especially for seasonal depression
Finding Help
- Find a Therapist: Psychology Today Directory
- SAMHSA Helpline: 1-800-662-4357 (free, 24/7)
- Treatment Locator: findtreatment.gov
Self-Help Strategies
While professional treatment is important for moderate to severe depression, these strategies can support recovery at any level:
🏃 Physical Activity
Exercise has proven antidepressant effects:
- Aim for 30 minutes most days
- Even a 10-minute walk helps
- Any movement is better than none
- Outdoor exercise has extra benefits
😴 Sleep Hygiene
Depression and sleep are closely linked:
- Keep consistent sleep/wake times
- Avoid screens before bed
- Create a relaxing bedtime routine
- Limit caffeine, especially after noon
🥗 Nutrition
Diet affects mood:
- Eat regular, balanced meals
- Limit sugar and processed foods
- Omega-3s may help (fish, walnuts)
- Stay hydrated
🤝 Social Connection
Isolation worsens depression:
- Reach out to trusted people
- Accept help when offered
- Consider support groups
- Small interactions count
🧘 Mindfulness
Mindfulness practices help:
- Try meditation apps (Headspace, Calm)
- Practice deep breathing
- Focus on present moment
- MBCT prevents relapse
📋 Behavioral Activation
Action can precede motivation:
- Schedule enjoyable activities
- Break tasks into small steps
- Celebrate small accomplishments
- Don't wait to "feel like it"
Important Note
Self-help strategies are valuable supplements to treatment, but for moderate to severe depression, professional help is typically necessary. Don't try to "tough it out" alone—depression is a medical condition that responds to treatment.
BDI vs. PHQ-9: Which to Use?
Both are valid depression assessments, but they serve different purposes:
| Feature | Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) | PHQ-9 |
|---|---|---|
| Questions | 21 items | 9 items |
| Time | 5-10 minutes | 2-3 minutes |
| Score Range | 0-63 | 0-27 |
| Format | 4 graded statements per item | Frequency rating (0-3) |
| Focus | Cognitive + somatic symptoms, comprehensive | DSM criteria, quick screening |
| Best For | Detailed assessment, tracking, research | Quick screening, primary care |
| History | 1961 (revised 1996) | 1999 |
When to Use Each
- Use BDI when: You want comprehensive assessment, tracking detailed symptom changes over time, or for research purposes
- Use PHQ-9 when: Quick screening is needed, in busy clinical settings, or as an initial screener before more detailed assessment
Both tools are valid and widely used. Many clinicians use PHQ-9 for initial screening and BDI for more detailed follow-up or when tracking treatment progress.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The BDI is a screening and severity measure, not a diagnostic tool. Only a qualified healthcare professional can diagnose Major Depressive Disorder after a comprehensive evaluation. A high score indicates you should seek professional evaluation.
The BDI asks about the past two weeks. For monitoring, you might take it every 2-4 weeks. If you're in treatment, your clinician may recommend regular assessments to track progress. A decrease of 5+ points typically indicates clinically meaningful improvement.
Depression affects many aspects of life, including sensitive areas. Question 9 (suicidal thoughts) and Question 21 (interest in sex) may feel uncomfortable but are clinically important. Your honest responses provide the most accurate assessment. Remember, your results are private—calculated only in your browser.
No. All calculations happen entirely in your web browser. We do not collect, store, transmit, or share any of your responses or results. Your mental health information remains completely private on your device.
📚 Sources & References
Beck Depression Inventory:
- Beck AT, Steer RA, Brown GK. Manual for the Beck Depression Inventory-II. San Antonio, TX: Psychological Corporation; 1996.
- Beck AT, Ward CH, Mendelson M, et al. An inventory for measuring depression. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 1961;4:561-571. PubMed
- Wang YP, Gorenstein C. Psychometric properties of the Beck Depression Inventory-II: a comprehensive review. Braz J Psychiatry. 2013;35(4):416-431. PubMed
Depression Treatment:
- American Psychiatric Association. Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Patients With Major Depressive Disorder. APA
- National Institute of Mental Health. Depression. NIMH
Last Updated: February 2026
⚕️ Medical Disclaimer
This Beck Depression Inventory assessment is provided for educational and informational purposes only.
- This is a screening tool, not a diagnostic instrument
- Only a qualified healthcare provider can diagnose depression
- If you scored 1 or higher on Question 9 (suicidal thoughts), please reach out for help immediately
Crisis Resources:
- Call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)
- Text HOME to 741741
- Go to your nearest emergency room
Privacy: All calculations happen in your browser. We do not store your responses.