Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale: Check Yourself

Depression is more than just a fleeting bad mood—it's a persistent state where life can feel heavy and lose its vibrancy. It's a common human experience, and recognizing the signs early is a crucial first step toward feeling better. A helpful tool for this is the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale, developed by psychiatrist Dr. William W.K. Zung in 1965. Dr. Zung, a prominent researcher in the United States, designed this scale to empower individuals to assess their own mental state. The test is brief, consisting of only 20 questions, and can be completed privately without a doctor's immediate supervision. By answering honestly about how you've felt over the past week, you can gain a valuable snapshot of your emotional well-being. It is important to remember that this scale is a screening tool, not a formal diagnosis, but it can serve as a helpful indicator of whether it might be time to seek professional guidance.

From a psychological perspective, depression often manifests in ways that aren't immediately obvious, such as persistent fatigue or increased irritability. Research suggests that a significant portion of the adult population will experience a depressive episode at some point, and tools like the Zung scale can help initiate an important conversation about mental health. What makes this test particularly effective is its balanced design, which includes both positively and negatively worded questions to reduce response bias. It is known for being more straightforward than some other inventories, like the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and typically takes only five to ten minutes to complete. Using this scale can complement other self-assessments to provide a more comprehensive picture of your mental health.

How to Take the Test

Read each statement below and decide how often it has applied to you over the past week. For each statement, choose one of the following responses: “A Little of the Time” (1), “Some of the Time” (2), “Good Part of the Time” (3), or “Most of the Time” (4). Note the number of the statement and the score you assign to it.

1. I feel downhearted and blue.
2. Morning is when I feel the best.
3. I have crying spells or feel like crying.
4. I have trouble sleeping at night.
5. I eat as much as I used to.
6. I still enjoy sex.
7. I notice that I am losing weight.
8. I have trouble with constipation.
9. My heart beats faster than usual.
10. I get tired for no reason.
11. My mind is as clear as it used to be.
12. I find it easy to do the things I used to.
13. I am restless and can’t keep still.
14. I feel hopeful about the future.
15. I am more irritable than usual.
16. I find it easy to make decisions.
17. I feel that I am useful and needed.
18. My life is pretty full.
19. I feel that others would be better off if I were dead.
20. I still enjoy the things I used to enjoy.

How to Score Your Test

To calculate your total score: The scoring is different for the two groups of questions. First, for the negatively worded questions (1, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10, 13, 15, 19), the scores are taken as they are (a response of "A Little of the Time" is 1, "Some of the Time" is 2, etc.). However, for the positively worded questions (2, 5, 6, 11, 12, 14, 16, 17, 18, 20), you must reverse the scores. This means a 1 becomes a 4, a 2 becomes a 3, a 3 becomes a 2, and a 4 becomes a 1. After reversing the scores for the positive items, add up the scores for all 20 questions. Your total raw score will be between 20 and 80.

What Your Score Means

The total score corresponds to a potential level of depression. Please review these interpretations with the understanding that this is a guide, not a diagnosis.

• 20–49: Normal Range. Your responses suggest you are not experiencing significant depressive symptoms. However, if you are struggling with specific issues, it is always wise to monitor your feelings.
• 50–59: Mild Depression. This score suggests you may be experiencing mild depressive symptoms, which could be related to stress or fatigue. Prioritizing rest and talking to a trusted friend or family member may be beneficial.
• 60–69: Moderate Depression. A score in this range is a clear signal that you should consider reaching out to a mental health professional, such as a therapist, psychologist, or your primary care doctor, to discuss how you are feeling.
• 70–80: Severe Depression. This score indicates significant distress. It is strongly recommended that you seek professional help as soon as possible. Please do not delay in contacting a healthcare provider.

Remember, this self-assessment is a tool for reflection, not a final verdict. If your score is a cause for concern, don't panic. Instead, view it as the first step toward taking positive action. Depression is a treatable condition, and recognizing the need for support is a sign of strength. This scale can help you understand yourself better and empower you to take the next step on your journey to well-being.

References

• Zung, W. W. K. (1965). A self-rating depression scale. Archives of General Psychiatry, 12(1), 63–70. (This is the original scientific paper where Dr. Zung first published the scale, outlining its development and validation.)
• World Health Organization (WHO). (2023). Depressive disorder (depression). (Provides global information on the prevalence, causes, and treatment of depression, confirming it as a common and serious but treatable medical condition.)