Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale

Background

Zung’s model for depression, the Zung Self-Rating Depression scale, measures psychological and somatic symptoms linked to depression.  In addition, the scale can be used as a screening tool, monitor for changes, and clinical research purposes.
   

The questionnaire includes 20-items testing four common characteristic of depression – the pervasive effect, the physiological equivalents, other disturbances, and psychomotor activities. Respondents are given a 4-point scale to react to positive or negative statements. Approximately 10 minutes is required to complete the test.

Author: Dr. William W.K. Zung

Structure

1. Twenty question survey completed by patient
2. Likert Scale Format
3. Asks half of questions positively and half negatively
1. Negative Example: "I notice that I am losing weight"
2. Positive Example: "I eat as much as I used to"
4. Answers scored on 1 to 4 scale
1. Minimal: None or a little of the time
2. Severe: Most or all of the time

Questions and Scoring

Please read each statement and decide how much of the time the statement describes how you’ve been feeling during the past 2 weeks. Respond to all statements.

1. I fell down-hearted and blue.
• A little of the time (1)
• Some of the time (2)
• Good part of the time (3)
• Most of the time (4)

2. Morning is when I feel the best.
• A little of the time (4)
• Some of the time (3)
• Good part of the time (2)
• Most of the time (1)

3. I have crying spells or feel like it.
• A little of the time (1)
• Some of the time (2)
• Good part of the time (3)
• Most of the time (4)

4. I have trouble sleeping at night.
• A little of the time (1)
• Some of the time (2)
• Good part of the time (3)
• Most of the time (4)

5. I eat as much as I used to.
• A little of the time (4)
• Some of the time (3)
• Good part of the time (2)
• Most of the time (1)

6. I still enjoy sex.
• A little of the time (4)
• Some of the time (3)
• Good part of the time (2)
• Most of the time (1)

7. I notice that I am losing weight.
• A little of the time (1)
• Some of the time (2)
• Good part of the time (3)
• Most of the time (4)

8. I have trouble with constipation.
• A little of the time (1)
• Some of the time (2)
• Good part of the time (3)
• Most of the time (4)

9. My heart beats faster than usual.
• A little of the time (1)
• Some of the time (2)
• Good part of the time (3)
• Most of the time (4)

10. I get tired for no reason.
• A little of the time (1)
• Some of the time (2)
• Good part of the time (3)
• Most of the time (4)

11. My mind is as clear as it used to be.
• A little of the time (4)
• Some of the time (3)
• Good part of the time (2)
• Most of the time (1)

12. I find it easy to do the things I used to.
• A little of the time (4)
• Some of the time (3)
• Good part of the time (2)
• Most of the time (1)

13. I am restless and can't keep still.
• A little of the time (1)
• Some of the time (2)
• Good part of the time (3)
• Most of the time (4)

14. I feel hopeful about the future.
• A little of the time (4)
• Some of the time (3)
• Good part of the time (2)
• Most of the time (1)

15. I am more irritable than usual.
• A little of the time (1)
• Some of the time (2)
• Good part of the time (3)
• Most of the time (4)

16. I find it easy to make decisions.
• A little of the time (4)
• Some of the time (3)
• Good part of the time (2)
• Most of the time (1)

17. I feel that I am useful and needed.
• A little of the time (4)
• Some of the time (3)
• Good part of the time (2)
• Most of the time (1)

18. My life is pretty full.
• A little of the time (4)
• Some of the time (3)
• Good part of the time (2)
• Most of the time (1)

19. I feel that others would be better off if I were dead.
• A little of the time (1)
• Some of the time (2)
• Good part of the time (3)
• Most of the time (4)

20. I still enjoy the things I used to do.
• A little of the time (4)
• Some of the time (3)
• Good part of the time (2)
• Most of the time (1)

Scores Interpretation

Scores on the test range from 25 through 100. The scores fall into four ranges:

• Score <50: Normal
• Score <60: Mild depression
• Score <70: Moderate or Marked Major Depression
• Score >70: Severe or Extreme Major Depression

Sources and Additional Information:

http://www.fpnotebook.com/Psych/Exam/ZngSlfRtngDprsnScl.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zung_Self-Rating_Depression_Scale

http://healthnet.umassmed.edu/mhealth/ZungSelfRatedDepressionScale.pdf