The Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (ZDS) is one of the most widely used adult depression screening instruments and is recognized by physicians and clinicians worldwide. About 82% of persons with a ZDS score greater than 55 have major depression by DSM-III criteria. Designed to screen depression and mood, it is also an effective outcome measurement tool for tracking a client's progress with therapy over time.

The 20-item instrument screens for three depression and mood symptoms:

• Affective
• Psychological
• Somatic

The ZDS is effectively used in a variety of mental health areas including primary care, psychiatric, drug trials, and related clinical, institutional, and research settings. Although designed as a self-rating scale, the ZDS is best used in conjunction with the active participation of a health care professional or clinician during or immediately following a client interview.

The ZDS takes approximately 10 minutes to complete.

20 Question self-rating assessment for depression. Most people with depression score between 50 and 69. The highest possible score is 80.

Notes: Adapted from Zung, WWK. A self-rating depression scale. Arch Gen Psychiatry 1965; 12: 63-70.