Introduction to the Scale

Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) free online test. The SDS is one of the most renowned self-rating depression scales and was recommended by the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare for psychopharmacology research. Due to its simplicity and ability to directly reflect patients' subjective feelings of depression, it is now widely used for depression screening. The SDS contains 20 items rated on a 4-point scale, allowing test-takers to quickly assess whether they have depression and determine its severity.

This scale has been extensively used in psychological research and practical assessments in China, with researchers reporting good reliability and validity among Chinese participants.

Applicability: Suitable for normal individuals or psychiatric patients aged 16+ across various occupations and educational backgrounds. However, those with lower education levels or intellectual abilities cannot complete self-assessment.

Testing Time: No time limit; 20 questions typically completed within 10 minutes.

Before assessment, ensure the respondent fully understands the scale's completion method and the meaning of each item, then make an independent self-assessment free from external influence. The assessment timeframe covers the respondent's actual feelings over the past week.

SDS Rating Criteria