Poniższy test składa się z 21 punktów, każdy punkt zawiera kilka stwierdzeń. Test został stworzony na podstawie pierwszej publikacji odnośnie BDI z 1961 roku [1]. Proszę uważnie przeczytać poniższy kwestionariusz i wybrać tą odpowiedź, która najlepiej opisuje Pana/Pani stan zdrowia w ciągu ostatnich dwóch tygodni, łącznie z dniem dzisiejszym.
Źródła wykorzystane do wykonania testu:
- [1] BECK AT, WARD CH, MENDELSON M, MOCK J, ERBAUGH J. An Inventory for Measuring Depression. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 1961;4(6):561–571. doi:10.1001/archpsyc.1961.01710120031004
Depression is a mental disorder that affects an increasing number of people worldwide. To diagnose it and implement appropriate treatment, various tools are used, including a popular test – the Beck Depression Scale, also known as the BDI questionnaire. In this article, we will take a closer look at this tool and its applications.
Beck depression scale – what is it?
The Beck DepressionScale (BDI – Beck Depression Inventory), was developed by American psychiatrist Aaron T. Beck in 1961. It is a diagnostic questionnaire that is used to screen for depressive disorders in a patient. The Beck scale is a supportive tool for a psychiatrist or therapist and can be an initial diagnostic test. If the test result indicates the presence of moderate or severe depression, a psychiatrist should be visited to diagnose the disorder and implement appropriate treatment, which may include psychotherapy or drug treatment.
Beck test – how to solve?
The Beck test is a psychiatric diagnostic tool used to screen for depressive disorders. The test consists of 21 questions that assess depressive symptoms, the intensity and severity of symptoms, and the patient’s self-assessment. The patient scores the answers on 4 variants from 0 to 3 points, and the test score provides an indication of the intensity of depressive symptoms. The Beck test can serve as an auxiliary tool in the diagnosis of depressive disorders, and it is worth referring to a psychiatrist for further diagnosis and drug treatment or psychotherapy.
Test results: mild, severe, moderate depression
The Beck test score should be scored from 0 to 3 points, depending on the intensity of symptoms. There are different scoring standards, but the most commonly used are those shown below:
- 0 -11 points. – no depression
- 12 – 19 points. – mild depression
- 20 – 25 points. – moderate depression
- 26 points + – severe depression
If a patient scores between 12 and 25 points, it means that he or she suffers from mild or moderate depression. On the other hand, a score above 26 points indicates severe depression.
However, it is worth remembering that the Beck test score is not the only diagnostic criterion and does not replace a visit to a psychiatrist. The test can only be a tool to assist the doctor in the diagnosis and treatment of depression.
If you have a suspicion that you are suffering from depression, it is worthwhile to see a psychiatrist, who, based on your medical history, the performance of the Beck test and other medical examinations, can determine the degree of depressive disorder and the appropriate treatment methods, such as pharmacotherapy or psychotherapy.
Symptoms of depression – how to recognize?
Symptoms of depression can vary depending on the intensity and duration of the illness. They can include lowered mood, irritability, sleep problems, appetite changes, decreased self-esteem, suicidal thoughts and more. There are various diagnostic tools that can help identify symptoms of depression, such as depression tests, questionnaires and self-assessment scales.
If you suspect you are suffering from depression, it is a good idea to consult a psychiatrist or mental health specialist. A psychiatrist can help address the problem with psychological therapy, antidepressant medication or an initial medical examination.
It is worth noting that the Beck test and other diagnostic tools are used to identify depression in oneself, but are not a substitute for seeing a doctor. Diagnosing depressive disorders requires a solid medical history and a thorough medical examination.
Depression – treatment of the disease
Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders that can affect various aspects of a patient’s life. Depressive symptoms can include lowered mood, lack of interest, irritability, sleep problems, appetite changes, decreased self-esteem and suicidal thoughts. If you are suffering from depression, it’s worth paying attention to your mood and consulting a psychiatrist.
The Beck Scale is a screening tool that is used to make an initial diagnosis of depressive disorders in a patient. If a score indicates the presence of moderate or severe depression, the patient should see a psychiatrist to diagnose the disorder and implement appropriate treatment. Various methods are used to treat depression, such as psychotherapy, drug treatment and light therapy. The psychiatrist will select the appropriate treatment method depending on the intensity of the depressive symptoms and the patient’s medical history.
Treatment of depression is a complicated process and depends on many factors, such as the intensity of depressive symptoms, the patient’s medical history, other comorbidities, and the type and dosage of medications taken. In cases of severe depression, drug treatment may be necessary, but psychological therapy, including psychotherapy, may also prove effective.
For mild to moderate depression, psychotherapy may be the first choice of treatment. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most commonly used approaches and can help patients reduce depressive symptoms by identifying and changing thoughts and behaviors that contribute to depression.
If a patient has a test result that suggests the presence of depression, a psychiatrist should be consulted. The psychiatrist will perform a thorough diagnosis, including a physical examination, to rule out other mental health problems and diagnose depressive disorders.
Beck test Q&A
Depression can be initially diagnosed by its symptoms, such as loss of interest, sleep disturbances, apathy, indifference, and loss of enjoyment of life. The Beck test is one of the tools to help with the initial diagnosis of depression.
Experts say that the Beck test is a highly reliable diagnostic tool. It scores well in reliability tests, but if depressive disorders are suspected, one should immediately see a specialist.
Depression affects people regardless of their age, gender or social status. It is an illness that does not go away on its own and must be treated.
Apathy can appear as one of the symptoms of depression. It is characterized by, among other things: excessive sleepiness, fatigue, impaired concentration and social withdrawal.
Beck Depression Scale: 0 to 11 points – no depression, 12 to 19 points – mild depression, 20 to 25 points – moderate depression, 26 and more – severe depression.
The Beck Depression Scale has 28 points, although this can vary depending on the established standard.
Depending on the diagnostic tool, they can vary. In the case of the Beck Test, it ranges from 0 to 11 points – no depression, 12 – 19 points – mild depression, 20 – 25 points – moderate depression, 26-28 points – severe depression.
According to Beck’s scale, we can distinguish three stages: mild depression, moderate depression, severe depression.
Yes, people with depression can smile and not show on the outside what they are struggling with on the inside. However, this is not always the case. Each patient’s symptoms and behaviors can vary.
This symptom should not be generalized, but people with depression often have dimmed looks or a slightly puzzled expression.
Struggling with depression on your own can be very difficult. It is advisable to surround yourself with close people and seek support from them. However, the best solution is to go to a specialist, who will prepare the appropriate therapy to help the patient recover from the disease.
Laziness is often associated with a sense of comfort and relaxation in inactivity. In depression, on the other hand, it can be associated with feelings of heaviness, pain and impotence.
Smiling depression is known as high-functioning depression. Mental suffering can be masked by smiling, so many people may not realize what a person suffering from depression is actually facing.
Depression is a sense of inner pain, but people struggling with the disease do not always cry.
The first symptoms of depression include: sleep disturbances, apathy, loss of interests, and inability to take pleasure in previous activities.
Patients suffering from depression may feel pain, through increased sensitivity. However, the pain they feel may also be psychological pain, internal suffering.