CES-D Depressed Test


Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) – One of the most common screening tests for helping an individual to determine his or her depression quotient, the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) was originally developed by Lenore Radloff of Utah State University. The quick self-test measures depressive feelings and behaviours during the past week.

To take the questionnaire, please click the radio button next to the selection which best reflects how each statement applies to you. The items refer to how you have felt and behaved over the last week. (Please see our Disclaimer).

  1. 1.) I was bothered by things that don’t usually bother me.

    2. Rarely or none of the time (<1 day)

    Some or a little of the time (1-2 days)

    Occasionally or a moderate amount of the time (3-4 days)

    Most or all of the time (5-7 days)


  2. 2.) I did not feel like eating; my appetite was poor.

    3. Rarely or none of the time (<1 day)

    Some or a little of the time (1-2 days)

    Occasionally or a moderate amount of the time (3-4 days)

    Most or all of the time (5-7 days)


  3. 3.) I felt that I could not shake off the blues even with the help of my family or friends.

    4. Rarely or none of the time (<1 day)

    Some or a little of the time (1-2 days)

    Occasionally or a moderate amount of the time (3-4 days)

    Most or all of the time (5-7 days)


  4. 4.) I felt that I was just as good as other people.

    5. Rarely or none of the time (<1 day)

    Some or a little of the time (1-2 days)

    Occasionally or a moderate amount of the time (3-4 days)

    Most or all of the time (5-7 days)


  5. 5.) I had trouble keeping my mind on what I was doing.

    6. Rarely or none of the time (<1 day)

    Some or a little of the time (1-2 days)

    Occasionally or a moderate amount of the time (3-4 days)

    Most or all of the time (5-7 days)


  6. 6.) I felt depressed.

    7. Rarely or none of the time (<1 day)

    Some or a little of the time (1-2 days)

    Occasionally or a moderate amount of the time (3-4 days)

    Most or all of the time (5-7 days)


  7. 7.) I felt everything I did was an effort.

    8. Rarely or none of the time (<1 day)

    Some or a little of the time (1-2 days)

    Occasionally or a moderate amount of the time (3-4 days)

    Most or all of the time (5-7 days)


  8. 8.) I felt hopeful about the future.

    9. Rarely or none of the time (<1 day)

    Some or a little of the time (1-2 days)

    Occasionally or a moderate amount of the time (3-4 days)

    Most or all of the time (5-7 days)


  9. 9.) I thought my life had been a failure.

    10. Rarely or none of the time (<1 day)

    Some or a little of the time (1-2 days)

    Occasionally or a moderate amount of the time (3-4 days)

    Most or all of the time (5-7 days)


  10. 10.) I felt fearful.

    11. Rarely or none of the time (<1 day)

    Some or a little of the time (1-2 days)

    Occasionally or a moderate amount of the time (3-4 days)

    Most or all of the time (5-7 days)


  11. 11.) My sleep was restless.

    12. Rarely or none of the time (<1 day)

    Some or a little of the time (1-2 days)

    Occasionally or a moderate amount of the time (3-4 days)

    Most or all of the time (5-7 days)


  12. 12.) I was happy.

    13. Rarely or none of the time (<1 day)

    Some or a little of the time (1-2 days)

    Occasionally or a moderate amount of the time (3-4 days)

    Most or all of the time (5-7 days)


  13. 13.) I talked less than usual.

    14. Rarely or none of the time (<1 day)

    Some or a little of the time (1-2 days)

    Occasionally or a moderate amount of the time (3-4 days)

    Most or all of the time (5-7 days)


  14. 14.) I felt lonely.

    15. Rarely or none of the time (<1 day)

    Some or a little of the time (1-2 days)

    Occasionally or a moderate amount of the time (3-4 days)

    Most or all of the time (5-7 days)


  15. 15.) People were unfriendly.

    16. Rarely or none of the time (<1 day)

    Some or a little of the time (1-2 days)

    Occasionally or a moderate amount of the time (3-4 days)

    Most or all of the time (5-7 days)


  16. 16.) I enjoyed life.

    17. Rarely or none of the time (<1 day)

    Some or a little of the time (1-2 days)

    Occasionally or a moderate amount of the time (3-4 days)

    Most or all of the time (5-7 days)


  17. 17.) I had crying spells.

    18. Rarely or none of the time (<1 day)

    Some or a little of the time (1-2 days)

    Occasionally or a moderate amount of the time (3-4 days)

    Most or all of the time (5-7 days)


  18. 18.) I felt sad.

    19. Rarely or none of the time (<1 day)

    Some or a little of the time (1-2 days)

    Occasionally or a moderate amount of the time (3-4 days)

    Most or all of the time (5-7 days)


  19. 19.) I felt that people disliked me.

    20. Rarely or none of the time (<1 day)

    Some or a little of the time (1-2 days)

    Occasionally or a moderate amount of the time (3-4 days)

    Most or all of the time (5-7 days)


  20. 20.) I could not get “going”.

    21. Rarely or none of the time (<1 day)

    Some or a little of the time (1-2 days)

    Occasionally or a moderate amount of the time (3-4 days)

    Most or all of the time (5-7 days)


Screening test scoring ranges:

Less than 15 = Normal Range
15-21 = Mild to Moderate Depression
Over 21 = Possibility of Major Depression

Explanation of Score Tests:

Less than 15:
Your score is below 15, indicating that you do not appear to be experiencing high levels of depressive symptoms at this time.

15 -21 (Mild to Moderate Depression):
You appear to be experiencing some mild to moderate symptoms of depression.

Over 21 (Major Depression):
You appear to be experiencing a high level of depressive symptoms associated with major depression.


Click here to take another depression test.