What is the range of scores indicating depression severity on the Beck Depression Inventory?

The correct answer is based on the scoring system established for the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), which is a widely used self-report questionnaire for assessing the presence and severity of depression. The BDI consists of 21 items, each scored from 0 to 3, leading to a total possible score ranging from 0 to 63.

A score between 21 and 63 indicates varying levels of depression severity, with higher total scores reflecting more severe depressive symptoms. Specifically, the BDI categorizes scores into ranges that help clinicians evaluate the severity of a patient's depression: scores from 0 to 13 typically suggest minimal depression, 14 to 19 indicate mild depression, 20 to 28 point toward moderate depression, and scores from 29 to 63 suggest severe depression.

Understanding the scoring range is crucial for proper assessment, treatment planning, and monitoring changes in a patient's condition over time.