Introduction
KADS asks adolescents about low mood, irritability, interest, energy and related experiences. This page contains the 11-item version, which has been studied for following changes in depressive symptoms.
Irritability and withdrawing from activities may be easier to notice than a direct statement of sadness. Examples from school, friendships and home can clarify how a young person is feeling and where the difficulties are most apparent.
The 11-item version differs from the shorter KADS screening form. When comparing assessments, use the same version and keep the dates and circumstances. A change in school demands or social support can add context to the pattern.
Instructions
The 11-item version of the KADS presented here is optimized for monitoring outcomes in adolescents (12-17 years) who are receiving treatment for major depressive disorder. Its items are worded using standard and colloquial terminology, and responses are scored on a simple 4 choice scale.
Over the last week, how have you been “on average” or “usually” regarding the following items.
Scoring and result metrics
The result page reports a local screening score for this questionnaire. Use the score range, any subscale scores, and the interpretation band together rather than treating one number as a diagnosis.
- Score range
- 0-33
- Items scored
- 11
- Result indicators
- Total score / Interpretation band when available
Score interpretation bands
- 0-33Severity score
While there is no diagnostic cutoff, higher scores indicate more severe depression.
Interpretation bands summarize screening thresholds from the questionnaire source material. Higher scores usually indicate more of the measured concern unless the tool notes a different scoring rule.
Tool information
- Version
- 11 questions
- Administration
- Self-report
- Intended audience
- Adolescents, commonly ages 12-17, reporting depressive symptoms and functional changes with appropriate adult or professional support available
Sources
- SarahJ Brooks, StanleyP Krulewicz, Stan Kutcher. The Kutcher Adolescent Depression Scale: ssessment of its evaluative properties over the course of an 8-week pediatric pharmacotherapy trial. 13(3): J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol 337-49 (2003).
- SarahJ Brooks, Stan Kutcher. Diagnosis and measurement of anxiety disorder in adolescents: a review of commonly used instruments. 13(3): J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol 351-400 (2003).
- JohnC LeBlanc, Anthony Almudevar, SarahJ Brooks, Stan Kutcher. Screening for adolescent depression: comparison of the Kutcher Adolescent Depression Scale with the Beck depression inventory. 12(2): J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol 113-26 (2002).
Related tests
Explore related screening tools in the same topic area.
Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS)
The Edinburgh scale asks about emotional experiences around the postnatal period, including enjoyment, self-blame, worry, sadness and feeling overwhelmed.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 Item Scale (GAD-7)
GAD-7 brings together seven experiences related to anxiety, including persistent worry, difficulty relaxing, restlessness and irritability.
Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS)
The Geriatric Depression Scale explores mood and engagement with life in older adults.