Depression Self-Assessment Questionnaire

I. Theoretical Foundation of This Questionnaire

The design of this questionnaire is based on the core theoretical framework of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), particularly the cognitive theory proposed by Aaron T. Beck. This theory suggests that depressive states are often closely related to negative cognitive patterns individuals develop about themselves, the world around them, and the future. By assessing these cognitive patterns and emotional states, individuals can better understand their own mental health levels.

This questionnaire covers three core dimensions related to depressive states:

• Emotional Experience: Assesses recent emotional states, including feelings of sadness, irritability, and loss of interest
• Cognitive Patterns: Assesses thinking patterns, including self-evaluation, sense of hope, and decision-making ability
• Physiological and Behavioral Manifestations: Assesses physiological functions and behavioral changes such as sleep, appetite, and energy levels

II. Purpose of the Questionnaire

This questionnaire aims to help you:

• Understand your recent emotional state and thinking patterns
• Identify feelings and manifestations that may be related to depressive states
• Provide reference directions for self-awareness and psychological adjustment
• Increase attention to and awareness of emotional health

Please Note: This questionnaire is a mental health self-assessment tool. Results are for reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis.

III. Questionnaire Content and Scoring Method

This questionnaire contains a total of 20 items, covering three dimensions: emotion, cognition, and physiological behavior. Please answer based on your actual feelings over the past two weeks. Each item has 4 options, corresponding to 0-3 points:

• 0 points: Rarely or none of the time (less than 2 days in the past two weeks)
• 1 point: Some of the time (3-5 days in the past two weeks)
• 2 points: A considerable amount of time (6-9 days in the past two weeks)
• 3 points: Most or all of the time (10-14 days in the past two weeks)

After completing the test, the system will provide a result evaluation based on your total score (0-60 points), divided into four levels: No Depressive Symptoms (≤10 points), Mild Depressive Symptoms (11-18 points), Moderate Depressive Symptoms (19-30 points), Severe Depressive Symptoms (≥31 points). Each level provides corresponding symptom descriptions and intervention recommendations.

IV. Applicable Population and Precautions

This questionnaire is suitable for:

• Adolescents and adults (recommended age 15 and above) who wish to understand their emotional state
• General public concerned about mental health
• As an auxiliary tool in the process of psychological growth and self-exploration

Precautions: This questionnaire is an educational and popular science tool developed based on publicly available psychological theories and is not a standardized diagnostic scale. If you experience persistent emotional distress, significant impact on daily functioning, or have thoughts of self-harm/suicide, please immediately seek help from a professional psychologist or psychiatrist.

V. Limitations

• Non-Diagnostic Tool: Results only reflect recent subjective feelings and cannot serve as a basis for diagnosing depression
• Self-Assessment Bias: Influenced by individual self-awareness ability and honesty in answering
• Cultural Adaptability: Different cultural backgrounds may have different understandings of emotions and behaviors
• Theoretical Derivation: This questionnaire is a theoretical recreation and is not a copy or adaptation of any commercial scale