The Beck depression inventory is an assessment instrument used to measure the severity of depression in adolescents and adults. The instruments are used in adolescents 13 years old and above (Smith & Erford, 1996). The most recent version of the assessment instrument is the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II). The assessment normally takes 5 to 10 minutes to complete.

Smarr (2003) points out that the earlier versions of the assessment tool, BDI and BDI-IA did not contain the DSM-IV criteria but the latest version, the BDI-II does. Both Smarr and Smith note that it is widely used in clinic as well as in psychotherapy treatment. It can be self administered as well as administered by the interviewer. The Becker descriptive inventory contains 21 items each having four options under it. The four options range from not present to severe

Smith & Erford (1996) point out that unlike earlier versions which considered ratings for a week in assessing a client, the BDI-II takes into consideration ratings for 2 weeks. The assessment instrument reflects DSM-IV rating criteria.

Both smith & Erford (1996), and Smarr (2003), find the BDI-II easy to administer. You sum up scores from all the 21 items to get a single score. A score of 0-13 is taken to be minimal range while a score of 29-63 is considered severe depression.

Smith & Erford (1996) argue that Beck depression Inventory manual is user friendly and provides useful information to both the administrator and the client. One does not require any specialized knowledge to understand the manual or administer the test. The instructions are short, clear and to the point. However, notes Smarr (2003), it requires a professional to interpret the results of the assessment. Both conclude that the BDI isappropriate for both self administration as well as interviewer administration.

References

Catherine, Smith & Bradley, T. Erford (1996). Beck Depression Inventory – II. Retrieved from

http://aarc-counseling.org/assets/cms/uploads/files/bdi.pdf

K.L Smarr (2003). Measure of depression and Depressive symptoms: the Beck Depression

Inventory. Retrieved from http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/art.11410/pdf

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