Which assessment tool is specifically designed for measuring depression symptoms over a two-week period?

The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) is specifically designed to assess the presence and severity of depressive symptoms over a specified period, typically the past two weeks. This focus on a short timeframe aligns with the clinical criteria for diagnosing major depressive episodes, which often requires an evaluation of symptoms as experienced over a similar duration. The BDI consists of self-report items that cover various aspects of depression, including mood, physical functioning, and cognitive distortions related to depression.

As a widely recognized and utilized tool in both clinical and research settings, the BDI enables health professionals to effectively gauge the severity of depression and track changes over time, which is critical in treatment planning and monitoring progress in therapy. In contrast, the other tools listed do not specifically target a two-week assessment of depression: the MMPI is a broader personality assessment, the CDT is related to cognitive dysfunction, and the Myers Briggs Type Indicator focuses on personality types rather than mental health symptoms.