Beck Depression Inventory
Also written as: BDI-II — Beck Depression Inventory, Second Edition
Standardized 21-item self-report questionnaire used to assess the severity of depressive symptoms.
Full Definition
The Beck Depression Inventory, Second Edition (BDI-II) is a widely used psychometric instrument developed by Aaron T. Beck to measure the severity of depression in adolescents and adults aged 13 years and older. The inventory consists of 21 multiple-choice questions, each scored from 0 to 3, with total scores ranging from 0 to 63. Higher scores indicate more severe depressive symptoms. The BDI-II is commonly administered in psychiatric clinics for screening, diagnosis, and monitoring treatment progress. Scores are typically categorized as minimal (0-13), mild (14-19), moderate (20-28), or severe (29-63) depression.
Usage
Usage note: Specify BDI-II when referring to the current version; scores should include interpretation
In Context
- "The patient's Beck Depression Inventory score decreased from 34 to 18 after six weeks of antidepressant treatment." — Treatment progress note
- "Initial assessment included administration of the Beck Depression Inventory to establish baseline symptom severity." — Intake evaluation