Depression and Anxiety Assessments

Question 1

What is the purpose of the Beck Depression Inventory?

Answer 1

The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) is used to measure the presence and severity of depressive symptoms.

Question 2

What is the age range for BDI?

Answer 2

13 years +

Question 3

Is there Australian normative data for the BDI?

Answer 3

Yes

Question 4

How many items is the BDI?

Answer 4

21 items

Question 5

How are the responses scored?

Answer 5

Each item is scored on a scale from 0 to 3, with higher numbers indicating more intense symptoms

Question 6

What are the descriptors levels of the BDI?

Answer 6

0–13: Minimal depression
14–19: Mild depression
20–28: Moderate depression
29–63: Severe depression

Question 7

Can the BDI diagnose depressive disorders?

Answer 7

No - the BDI is often used as an initial screening tool to identify individuals who may need a more comprehensive evaluation for depressive disorders.

Question 8

What areas of depression does the BDI include?

Answer 8

Sadness
Pessimism
Past failure
Loss of Pleasure
Guilty Feelings
Punishment Feelings
Self-Dislike
Self-Criticalness
Suicidal Thoughts
Crying
Agitation
Loss of Interest
Indecisiveness
Worthlessness
Loss of Energy
Changes in Sleep Patterns
Irritability
Changes in Appetite
Concentration Difficulty
Tiredness
Loss of Interest in Sex

Question 9

What does the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory measure?

Answer 9

The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) measures two types of anxiety being state anxiety and trait anxiety

Question 10

What do the 2 anxiety scales on the STAI measure?

Answer 10

State Anxiety (S-Anxiety): Measures the current level of anxiety, or how an individual feels “right now, at this moment.” It assesses the intensity of anxiety as a temporary emotional state.

Trait Anxiety (T-Anxiety): Measures the general tendency to perceive situations as threatening and respond with anxiety. It assesses anxiety as a more stable characteristic of personality.

Question 11

What is the age range for the STAI?

Answer 11

14 years +

Question 12

Is there Australian normative data for the STAI?

Answer 12

Yes

Question 13

How many items is the STAI?

Answer 13

40 items

20 items for state anxiety and
20 items for trait anxiety

Question 14

How is the STAI scored?

Answer 14

Each item is scored on a scale from 1 to 4

The scores for state and trait anxiety are summed separately

Question 15

What do high and low scores on the State Anxiety scale of the STAI indicate?

Answer 15

High Scores: Indicate high levels of temporary anxiety at the moment of assessment. This suggests that the individual is experiencing significant stress or anxiety due to specific circumstances or situations.

Low Scores: Indicate low levels of temporary anxiety. This suggests that the individual is relatively calm and not experiencing significant stress or anxiety at the time of assessment.

Question 16

What do high and low scores on the Trait Anxiety scale of the STAI indicate?

Answer 16

High Scores: Indicate a general tendency to perceive situations as threatening and to respond with anxiety. Individuals with high trait anxiety are more likely to experience anxiety across various situations and over time.

Low Scores: Indicate a general tendency to perceive situations as non-threatening and to respond with calmness. Individuals with low trait anxiety are less likely to experience anxiety and tend to have a more relaxed disposition.

Question 17

What is the clinical significance of the STAI and distinguishing between state and trait anxiety?

Answer 17

Assessment: Important to assess whether the high state anxiety is situational and temporary or indicative of a more chronic problem.

Intervention Strategy: Informs short-term CBT strategies e.g. relaxation training or mindfulness vs long-term CBT strategies e.g. lifestyle changes

Question 18

What does the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) measure?

Answer 18

The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) is a self-administered diagnostic tool used as a screening and severity measure for depression.

Question 19

What is the age range for the PHQ-9?

Question 20

How many items in the PHQ-9?

Answer 20

9 items

Question 21

Over what time frame is the client asked to recall their symptoms in the PHQ-9?

Answer 21

2 weeks

Question 22

What are the response options for the PHQ-9?

Answer 22

4 point likert scale

0 = Not at all
1 = Several days
2 = More than half the days
3 = Nearly every day

Question 23

What is the outcome measure for the PHQ-9 and how is it obtained?

Answer 23

A total score is produced by summing the 9 items

Question 24

What are the qualitative descriptors and score ranges for the PHQ-9

Answer 24

0-4: Minimal or no depression

5-9: Mild depression

10-14: Moderate depression

15-19: Moderately severe depression

20-27: Severe depression

Question 25

When would you use the PHQ-9 vs the BDI?

Answer 25

PHQ-9: Best for quick screening, initial diagnosis, and monitoring in primary care and general healthcare settings. Ideal for use when a brief, standardized tool aligned with DSM criteria is needed.

BDI: Best for detailed assessment, clinical diagnosis, and treatment planning in mental health settings. Ideal for use when a comprehensive evaluation of depressive symptoms is required.