WHAT IS BECK'S DEPRESSION INVENTORY (BDI/ 21 ITEM QUESTIONNAIRE)

Question 1

What is Beck’s depressive inventory? (simple)

Answer 1

• A self report measure used to assess the severity of depressive symptoms and attitudes.
• Consists of 21 multiple choice questions related to mood, behaviour and physical symptoms of depression.

Question 2

What does the BDI measure?

Answer 2

the severity of depressive symptoms and attitudes

Question 3

How much items/questions does the BDI consist of? What do these questions focus on

Answer 3

• 21 multiple choice questions. that focuses on
  1. Mood (guilt/hoplessness)
  2. Behaviour
  3. Somatic symptoms of depression (fatigue, weight loss or gain)

MBS

Question 4

How does the BDI work?

Answer 4

1. Presented with a question
2. Each question is accompanied by 4 statements
3. The patient chooses which the statement that best captures their experience over the past 1 or 2 weeks

Question 5

How is the BDI scored?

Answer 5

• 10= minimum for (mild depression)
• 19-29= (moderate depression)
• 30+ = for (severe depression)

Question 6

Name 2 strengths of the BDI

Answer 6

1. Quick and easy to adminster
2. Reliable and standardised scoring

Question 7

Name 2 weaknesses of the BDI

Answer 7

1. Self report bias
2. Reductionist (mostly focuses on cognitive and emotional symptoms)

Question 8

Give an example of 1 item on the BDI?

Answer 8

“I don’t enjoy things the way i used to.”

This would be rated on a 4 point scale.

Question 9

1 strength of the BDI? reliable and standardised.

Answer 9

• Clear standardised scoring guidelines
• Allows clinicians to quantify the severity of depression
• And track changes over time (before and after treatment)

Question 10

1 strength of the BDI- Quick and easy adminstation.

Answer 10

• Quick and easy to adminstered
• As only covers 21 questions, thus taking 5-10 miniutes.
• Practical to use in screeing for depression or reseach settings.
• Quick administration= earlier intervention

Question 11

1 weakness of the BDI- Self-report bias?

Answer 11

• Data collection relies on subjective measures (patient self-awareness, honesty and their mood the day they completed the measure)
• Patients may be dishonest or feel reluctant to disclose certain feelings.
• Affecting the accuracy and validity of the score.

Dishonest due to fear of recieving diagnosis/ stigma or malingering.

Question 12

1 weakness of the BDI- reductionist

Answer 12

• Only emphasises cognitive and emotional symptoms of depression,
• Overlooking physical symptoms
• Problematic- Leading to a less comprehesive picture (especially for individuals whose depression mainly manifests via physical symptoms)

Physical symptoms (somatic complaints, fatigue)

Question 13

Issues and debates

Answer 13

• The BDI has been developed and tested within Western populations.
• May not be applicable to different cultures, due to language/ meaning differences