Scale Introduction

Depression Test Scale - Burns Depression Checklist (BDC) free online test. The BDC was developed by Dr. David D. Burns, a new-generation American psychotherapy expert from the University of Pennsylvania. This self-diagnostic depression scale can help you quickly determine whether you have depression and its severity.

The Burns Depression Checklist (BDC) is a reliable mood measurement tool with extremely high reliability and consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 95%), therefore the psychometric properties of the BDC are very satisfactory.

Please note that this scale is generally suitable for adults aged 18 and above. The emotions, cognition, and expression of children and adolescents differ significantly from those of adults. It is recommended to use a depression scale specifically designed for children and adolescents, such as the Children's Depression Inventory (CDI).

Burns Depression Checklist Score Explanation

The test scale has a total of 25 questions. The first 10 questions test from the perspective of personal "thoughts and feelings," questions 11-17 test from the perspective of "activities and personal relationships," questions 18-22 test from the perspective of "physical symptoms," and the last 3 questions test from the perspective of "suicidal tendencies."

The minimum score for each question is 0, and the maximum score is 4, so your final score should be between 0 and 100.

Now, you can compare your score against the score explanation below.

If the total score remains above 25, professional treatment may be needed. If there are suicidal tendencies, it is imperative to see a mental health professional immediately.

References:

Burns, D. D. (1989). The feeling good handbook. New York: William Morrow.

Reference source: Introduction to the Chinese version of this scale and test link address https://toolonline.net/BDC