What does the CES-D test assess?

The CES-D assesses the frequency of depressive symptoms over the past week, including emotional, cognitive, and somatic manifestations.

How does CES-D differ from other tests?

CES-D can identify both pronounced and subclinical depressive manifestations and includes items assessing positive affect, making it sensitive to reduced positive emotions.

How are CES-D results interpreted?

The total score reflects the severity of depressive symptoms — from normal range to severe — and is used for an approximate assessment of the condition.

Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale

The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) is a widely used questionnaire for screening assessment of depressive symptoms in the general population. It consists of 20 questions and is designed to evaluate the frequency of symptoms during the past week.

Unlike many other tests, the CES-D can identify not only pronounced but also subclinical depressive manifestations. The questionnaire includes items assessing positive affect (reverse-scored questions), allowing evaluation not only of negative symptoms but also of reduced positive emotions. The scale is widely used in epidemiological and clinical research.

The test results are for informational purposes only and do not constitute a medical diagnosis.

If you also notice persistent anxiety or unexplained tension in yourself, our anxiety test may help.

If, instead, periods of sadness alternate with periods of unusually elevated energy or reduced need for sleep, you may also be interested in the Bipolar Spectrum Diagnostic Scale (BSDS).

Rate how often during the past week, including today, you were bothered by the following conditions, and select one answer for each item.