Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D): Assessing Depressive Symptom Severity

Assesses depressive symptom severity, providing a comprehensive screening tool for depression in research and clinical settings.

CES-D

Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale

The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale assesses depressive symptoms severity in individuals, primarily used to screen for depression in research and clinical settings.

Category

Mental health
Diagnostic
Monitoring

Source

Radloff, 1977

Author Name

Radloff, L.S. (1977)

Page Editor

What is

Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale

The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale (CES-D) is a widely used assessment tool for measuring depressive symptoms in various populations. The CES-D comprises 20 items that assess the frequency of depressive symptoms experienced over the past week, with response options ranging from "rarely or none of the time" to "most or all of the time." Its structure captures key dimensions of depression, including depressed mood, feelings of guilt and worthlessness, and changes in appetite or sleep. Clinicians and researchers administer the CES-D to identify individuals at risk of depression, monitor symptom severity, and evaluate treatment effectiveness. The scale is valued for its ease of use and sensitivity to changes in depressive symptoms over time, making it an important resource for both clinical practice and research studies, particularly in understanding the epidemiology of depression and informing public health initiatives.

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Scoring

The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale (CES-D) can be scored using one main approach with variations in interpretation. 1. The total score is calculated by summing the 20 items, with scores ranging from 0 to 60, after reverse-scoring the four positive items. Higher scores indicate more depressive symptoms. A cut-off score of 16 or more is commonly used to identify individuals at risk of depression. The CES-D assesses depressive symptoms over the past week across various dimensions, including depressed mood and somatic symptoms.

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Advantages

Early monitoring

Identifies health issues during initial stages.

Health monitoring

Tracks patient condition changes systematically.

Research validity

Strengthens evidence through systematic measurement approaches.

Stats

10
Minutes
20
Questions

Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale

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