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Condition
Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) — Depression Test
Take the Beck Depression Inventory online for free. The BDI is the gold standard clinical tool for measuring the severity of depression. 21 questions, scientifically validated methodology, instant results.
questions
21
Time
10 min
Method
bdi
Rating
4.6
Disclaimer
This test is intended solely for educational and informational purposes. It does not constitute a medical diagnosis and is not a substitute for professional advice from a psychiatrist, psychotherapist, or other qualified mental health professional. Test results should not be used as a basis for self-diagnosis or treatment decisions. If you are experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, or other psychological difficulties, we strongly recommend seeking immediate medical attention.
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What you'll learn
Your current level of depressive symptoms
Specific areas of concern
When professional help may be needed
Recommendations for next steps
Key facts
1961
Created
21
Questions
5-10 min
Time
2,000+
Studies
120+
Countries
30+
Languages
0.90–0.92
Cronbach's α
r = 0.93
Retest
History & development
1921
Aaron T. Beck born in Providence, Rhode Island, USA
1954
Beck begins research on cognitive theory of depression
1961
Publication of the first Beck Depression Inventory (BDI)
1971
First revision BDI-IA with improved wording
1988
Meta-analysis confirms high reliability of BDI over 25 years of research
1996
Release of BDI-II aligned with DSM-IV criteria
2000
BDI-II becomes the most cited depression screening instrument
2024
BDI-II used in over 120 countries worldwide
About the methodology
The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) is one of the most widely used self-report instruments for measuring the severity of depression. Developed by Aaron T. Beck and colleagues based on the cognitive model of depression, the original version was published in 1961 and contains 21 items, each assessing a specific symptom or attitude characteristic of depression.
The revised BDI-II (1996) better aligns with DSM-IV criteria for major depressive disorder. BDI-II demonstrates high internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.90–0.92 for clinical and 0.87–0.89 for non-clinical samples), high test-retest reliability (r = 0.
93), and strong convergent validity with other depression measures such as the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD). The instrument is used in over 120 countries and has been translated into more than 30 languages. Meta-analyses confirm that BDI-II is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing depression in both clinical and research settings.
Scientific references
Beck, A.T., Ward, C.H., Mendelson, M., Mock, J., & Erbaugh, J. (1961)
Beck, A.T., Steer, R.A., & Brown, G.K. (1996)
Beck, A.T., Steer, R.A., & Carbin, M.G. (1988)
Kühner, C., Bürger, C., Keller, F., & Hautzinger, M. (2007)
Disclaimer
This test is intended solely for educational and informational purposes. It does not constitute a medical diagnosis and is not a substitute for professional advice from a psychiatrist, psychotherapist, or other qualified mental health professional. Test results should not be used as a basis for self-diagnosis or treatment decisions. If you are experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, or other psychological difficulties, we strongly recommend seeking immediate medical attention.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (USA)
988Free, 24/7, confidential · Official national crisis helpline operated by SAMHSA
Frequently asked questions
What is the Beck Depression Inventory?
The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) is a 21-question clinical questionnaire developed by psychiatrist Aaron Beck to assess the severity of depressive symptoms. It is one of the most widely used and scientifically validated depression screening tools in the world.
How accurate is the Beck test?
The BDI-II has been extensively validated in over 2,000 scientific studies. Its internal consistency (Cronbach's α) is 0.90–0.92, and test-retest reliability is 0.93. It is the gold standard for depression screening in clinical psychology.
Can the Beck test replace a doctor's diagnosis?
No. The Beck test is a screening tool, not a diagnostic instrument. It helps assess the severity of depressive symptoms, but a clinical diagnosis requires consultation with a qualified psychologist or psychiatrist.
How long does the test take?
The Beck Depression Inventory typically takes 5-10 minutes to complete. The test contains 21 groups of statements, from which you choose the most appropriate one.
How are the results interpreted?
Results are scored on a scale of 0 to 63 points: 0–10 = minimal depression, 11–16 = mild, 17–20 = borderline, 21–30 = moderate, 31–40 = severe, 41–63 = extreme depression.
Who created the Beck Depression Scale?
The depression scale was created by Aaron Temkin Beck (1921–2021) - an American psychiatrist, professor at the University of Pennsylvania, and founder of cognitive therapy. The original version was published in 1961.
Instructions
This questionnaire consists of 21 groups of statements. Please read each group of statements carefully, and then pick out the one statement in each group that best describes the way you have been feeling during the past two weeks, including today. If several statements in the group seem to apply equally well, choose the highest number for that group.
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