Introduction
The Major Depression Inventory asks about mood, loss of interest, energy and other depressive experiences. The page presents 12 responses, including alternative forms of changes in movement and appetite.
Some experiences point in different directions: a person may feel slowed down or restless, or notice a decrease or increase in appetite. These alternatives explain why a list of response prompts need not equal the number of symptom domains.
PHQ-9 covers related experiences using a different question set. Before comparing results, check the wording and reference period. Notes about which routines became harder—getting started, concentrating or enjoying an activity—add useful detail to either form.
Instructions
The following questions ask how you have been feeling over the last 2 weeks.
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
- 0-50
- Items scored
- 12
- Result indicators
- Total score / Interpretation band when available
Score interpretation bands
- 0-50Severity score
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
- 12 questions
- Administration
- Self-report
- Intended audience
- Adults reviewing depressive symptoms and their frequency during the recent assessment period
Sources
- Bech P, Rasmussen NA, Olsen LR, Noerholm V, Abildgaard W. (2001). The sensitivity and specificity of the Major Depression Inventory, using the Present State Examination as the index of diagnostic validity.
- P Bech, et al. The sensitivity and specificity of the Major Depression Inventory, using the Present State Examination as the index of diagnostic validity. 66 J Affect Disord 159-164. (2001).
- LR Olsen, et al. The internal and external validity of the Major Depression Inventory in measuring severity of depressive states. 33 Psychological Medicine 351-356. (2003).
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.