DASS

Question 1

What does the DASS measure?

Answer 1

The Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS) is a psychological assessment tool designed to measure the emotional states of depression, anxiety, and stress.

Question 2

What is the purpose of the DASS?

Answer 2

The DASS is primarily used as a screening tool to assess the presence and severity of depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms.

Question 3

What are the applications for the DASS?

Answer 3

Clinical Assessment
Treatment Monitoring and Evaluation
Research

Question 4

Is the DASS a diagnostic tool?

Answer 4

No

While the DASS can highlight the presence of significant symptoms, it should not be used alone to diagnose any psychological disorder. High scores on the DASS indicate the need for a more comprehensive clinical assessment.

Question 5

Over what time frame does the DASS monitor symptoms?

Answer 5

Over the past 7 days

Question 6

How many different versions of the DASS are there and how many items doe they have?

Answer 6

DASS-42: 42 items (14 each scale)
DASS-21: 21 items (7 each scale)
DASS-10: 12 items (4 each scale)
DASS-Y: 21 items (7 each scale)

Question 7

What is the age range for each DASS?

Answer 7

17 years + : DASS-42, DASS-21, DASS-10

7 to 17 years: DASS-Y

Question 8

How many points on the likert scale and what are the responses?

Answer 8

4 point likert scale

0 - Never: Did not apply to me at all

1 - Sometimes: Applied to me to some degree, or some of the time

2 - Often: Applied to me to a considerable degree, or a good part of the time

3 - Almost Always: Applied to me very much, or most of the time

Question 9

How do you score the DASS?

Answer 9

Items for each scale are summed giving 3 scores for Depression, Anxiety, and Stress

Question 10

How do you compare scores from the DASS-42 to the DASS-21?

Answer 10

Multiply the summed scale scores from the DASS-21 by 2

Question 11

What are the descriptor categories for the DASS?

Answer 11

Normal
Mild
Moderate
Severe
Extremely Severe

Question 12

What does the Depression scale measure?

Answer 12

The Depression scale measures dysphoria, hopelessness, devaluation of life, self-deprecation, lack of interest/involvement, anhedonia, and inertia.

Question 13

On the Depression scale, what would normal to mild symptoms entail and are the corresponding scores of the DASS-21?

Answer 13

Depression

Normal: 0-4
Mild: 5-6

The person generally feels capable, content, and engaged in daily activities. Occasional sadness or minor mood fluctuations, but overall, they are able to maintain a positive outlook and function well in everyday life

Question 14

On the Depression scale, what would moderate symptoms entail and are the corresponding scores of the DASS-21?

Answer 14

Depression

Moderate: 7-10

The individual may experience persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or a lack of interest in previously enjoyable activities. Regular periods of low mood, reduced energy levels, and difficulty concentrating. These symptoms may start to interfere with daily functioning and productivity.

Question 15

On the Depression scale, what would severe to extremely severe symptoms entail and are the corresponding scores of the DASS-21?

Answer 15

Depression

Severe: 11-13
Extremely Severe: 14-21

The individual is likely experiencing significant distress and impairment in various areas of life. Intense and persistent feelings of sadness, worthlessness, and hopelessness. There may be significant changes in sleep and appetite, frequent crying spells, and difficulty performing daily tasks. These individuals may also have thoughts of self-harm or suicide.

Question 16

On the Depression scale of the DASS-21, if an individual reported symptoms for all 7 items as occurring:

Sometimes: Applied to me to some degree, or some of the time

What would their Depression scale score and what would the corresponding descriptor?

Answer 16

The likert option Sometimes has a numerical value of 1

Total = 7

Depression Severity Rating: Moderate (7-10)

Question 17

On the Depression scale of the DASS-21, if an individual reported symptoms for all 7 items as occurring:

Often - Applied to me to a considerable degree, or a good part of the time.

What would their Depression scale score and what would the corresponding descriptor?

Answer 17

The likert option Often has a numerical value of 2

Total = 14

Depression Severity Rating: Extremely Severe (14-21)

Question 18

What does the Anxiety scale measure?

Answer 18

The Anxiety scale evaluates autonomic arousal, skeletal muscle effects, situational anxiety, and subjective experience of anxious affect.

Question 19

On the Anxiety scale, what would normal to mild symptoms entail and are the corresponding scores of the DASS-21?

Answer 19

Anxiety

Normal: 0-3
Mild: 4-5

They feel generally calm and relaxed, with only occasional and minor episodes of worry or nervousness. Minor restlessness or nervousness that does not significantly impact daily activities.

Question 20

On the Anxiety scale, what would moderate symptoms entail and are the corresponding scores of the DASS-21?

Answer 20

Anxiety

Moderate: 6-7

The individual may experience frequent feelings of tension, worry, or nervousness that can interfere with daily life. Persistent worry, physical symptoms such as muscle tension or gastrointestinal discomfort, and difficulty relaxing.

Question 21

On the Anxiety scale, what would severe to extremely severe symptoms entail and are the corresponding scores of the DASS-21?

Answer 21

Anxiety

Severe: 8-9
Extremely Severe: 10-21

The individual may experience overwhelming feelings of fear or panic, which can significantly impair daily functioning. Frequent panic attacks, intense physical symptoms such as heart palpitations or shortness of breath, and avoidance of situations that trigger anxiety. These symptoms can severely limit the individual’s ability to perform daily tasks.

Question 22

On the Anxiety scale of the DASS-21, if an individual reported symptoms for all 7 items as occurring:

Sometimes: Applied to me to some degree, or some of the time

What would their Anxiety scale score and what would the corresponding descriptor?

Answer 22

The likert option Sometimes has a numerical value of 1

Total = 7

Anxiety Severity Rating: Moderate (6-7)

Question 23

On the Anxiety scale of the DASS-21, if an individual reported symptoms for all 7 items as occurring:

Often - Applied to me to a considerable degree, or a good part of the time.

What would their Anxiety scale score and what would the corresponding descriptor?

Answer 23

The likert option Often has a numerical value of 2

Total = 14

Anxiety Severity Rating: Extremely Severe (10-21)

Question 24

What does the Stress scale measure?

Answer 24

The Stress scale assesses difficulty relaxing, nervous arousal, and being easily upset/agitated, irritable/over-reactive, and impatient.

Question 25

On the Stress scale, what would normal to mild symptoms entail and are the corresponding scores of the DASS-21?

Answer 25

Stress

Normal: 0-7
Mild: 8-9

They feel generally relaxed and are able to cope effectively with everyday pressures. Occasional feelings of being slightly overwhelmed, but overall, the individual maintains a balanced and calm demeanour.

Question 26

On the Stress scale, what would moderate symptoms entail and are the corresponding scores of the DASS-21?

Answer 26

Stress

Moderate: 10-13

The individual may feel frequently stressed and find it challenging to relax or unwind. Regular feelings of tension, irritability, and difficulty managing time or responsibilities. There may be physical symptoms such as headaches.

Question 27

On the Stress scale, what would severe to extremely severe symptoms entail and are the corresponding scores of the DASS-21?

Answer 27

Stress

Severe: 14-16
Extremely Severe: 17-21

The individual may feel constantly overwhelmed and unable to cope with daily demands. Persistent and intense feelings of stress, frequent physical symptoms such as headaches, stomach issues, or fatigue, and difficulty sleeping. These individuals may struggle significantly with managing their responsibilities and maintaining relationships.

Question 28

On the Stress scale of the DASS-21, if an individual reported symptoms for all 7 items as occurring:

Sometimes: Applied to me to some degree, or some of the time

What would their Stress scale score and what would the corresponding descriptor?

Answer 28

The likert option Sometimes has a numerical value of 1

Total = 7

Stress Severity Rating: Normal (0-7)

Question 29

On the Stress scale of the DASS-21, if an individual reported symptoms for all 7 items as occurring:

Often - Applied to me to a considerable degree, or a good part of the time.

What would their Stress scale score and what would the corresponding descriptor?

Answer 29

The likert option Often has a numerical value of 2

Total = 14

Stress Severity Rating: Severe (14-16)