Describe the Beck depression inventory.
Award 1–2 marks for a basic answer with some understanding of the topic
area.
Award 3–4 marks for a detailed answer with clear understanding of the topic
area.
For example:
21-item multiple choice questionnaire. It is a psychometric self report that
measures the severity of depression. There are three versions of the
questionnaire with the most recent from 1996. The patient reads various
statements and answers with how much the statement applies to them on a
0–3 scale over the past two weeks. The statements cover issues such as
self-dislike, tiredness, etc. The higher the score, the more depressed the
person is deemed to be.
e.g.
• (0) I do not feel sad.
• (1) I feel sad.
• (2) I am sad all the time and I can't snap out of it.
• (3) I am so sad or unhappy that I can't stand it
1–10: These ups and downs are considered normal
11–16: Mild mood disturbance
17–20: Borderline clinical depression
21–30: Moderate depression
31–40: Severe depression
over 40: Extreme depression
Version 2 – got rid of the statements that had the same scoring.
Version 3 – Changed questions on body image, hypochondria and difficulty
working and added in questions on sleep loss and appetite.
Some credit can be given for the children’s depression inventory up to a
maximum of 2 marks.
Please note: The candidate must state approximately how many statements
there are (1), something about the scoring system (1 or 2), an example of
one of the statements or the topics covered by the BDI (1 or 2) and
something about the meaning of the total scores (1 or 2).
Other appropriate responses should also be credited. Credit any description
of the three variations of the questionnaire.