CES-D
Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale
A classic 20-item measure of depressive symptoms.
20
6 min
adult
0–60
About the CES-D
The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) is a 20-item self-report measure of depressive symptoms experienced over the past week. Originally designed for use in the general population, it remains one of the most widely used depression measures in research.
Items are rated 0–3 according to how often each symptom occurred, with positively worded items reverse-scored, giving a total of 0 to 60. A cut-point of 16 or more is the classic threshold for clinically significant depressive symptoms.
What it measures
- Depressed affect — sadness, loneliness, and the blues
- Somatic complaints and reduced activity — appetite, sleep, and effort
- Interpersonal difficulties
- Positive affect (reverse-scored)
CES-D questions
- 1
I was bothered by things that usually don’t bother me.
- 2
I did not feel like eating; my appetite was poor.
- 3
I felt that I could not shake off the blues even with help from my family or friends.
- 4
I felt that I was just as good as other people.
- 5
I had trouble keeping my mind on what I was doing.
- 6
I felt depressed.
- 7
I felt that everything I did was an effort.
- 8
I felt hopeful about the future.
- 9
I thought my life had been a failure.
- 10
I felt fearful.
- 11
My sleep was restless.
- 12
I was happy.
- 13
I talked less than usual.
- 14
I felt lonely.
- 15
People were unfriendly.
- 16
I enjoyed life.
- 17
I had crying spells.
- 18
I felt sad.
- 19
I felt that people disliked me.
- 20
I could not get “going.”
Items reproduced from a documented, freely usable source. Item wording is preserved exactly as published.
Scoring & interpretation
| Range | Band | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| 0–15 | Not clinically significant | Below the conventional CES-D cutoff. |
| 16–23 | Possible depression | Score ≥16 — possible depression; consider further assessment. |
| 24–60 | Probable depression | Score ≥24 — likely clinically significant depression; clinical evaluation recommended. |
Higher scores indicate greater symptom severity.
Clinical applications
- Population and epidemiological research on depression
- Screening for depressive symptoms in community samples
Frequently asked questions
What CES-D score indicates depression?
A total of 16 or more is the classic threshold for clinically significant depressive symptomatology warranting further assessment.
Source & references
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