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This self-assessment Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) , was originally developed by William W.K. Zung . TraitProfiler provides an interactive digital version for educational, informational, and self-exploration purposes only.

Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS)

Background

The Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) is a widely used self-report screening instrument developed to assess symptoms commonly associated with depression and emotional distress.
The SDS was developed by psychiatrist William W.K. Zung to help measure the emotional, psychological, cognitive, and physical symptoms frequently experienced during depressive states.
The questionnaire evaluates mood symptoms, hopelessness, sleep difficulties, fatigue, irritability, physical discomfort, reduced enjoyment, concentration difficulties, and negative emotional thinking patterns associated with depressive disorders.

Psychological Domains Measured

Depressed Mood
Measures sadness, emotional suffering, low mood, and depressive emotional functioning.
Positive Mood
Measures optimism, positive emotional outlook, and emotional resilience.
Crying and Emotional Distress
Measures tearfulness, emotional sensitivity, and emotional overwhelm.
Sleep Difficulties
Measures insomnia, disrupted sleep quality, and nighttime restlessness.
Appetite and Eating Patterns
Measures appetite changes, eating behavior, and weight-related concerns.
Physical and Somatic Symptoms
Measures bodily discomfort, constipation, rapid heartbeat, and physical stress-related symptoms.
Fatigue and Low Energy
Measures tiredness, low energy, exhaustion, and reduced physical motivation.
Cognitive Functioning
Measures concentration, mental clarity, decision-making, and cognitive confidence.
Restlessness and Irritability
Measures agitation, irritability, nervous tension, and difficulty remaining calm.
Hopelessness and Self-Worth
Measures hopefulness, self-esteem, usefulness, and feelings of emotional value.
Suicidal Thoughts
Measures thoughts related to death, hopelessness, and suicidal thinking.
Loss of Enjoyment
Measures reduced pleasure, emotional disengagement, and loss of interest in enjoyable experiences.
The SDS is commonly used in psychology, psychiatry, healthcare, counseling, and research settings. The questionnaire is intended as a screening instrument and should not be used as a standalone diagnostic tool.

Procedure

This questionnaire is designed to be completed by adults and adolescents based on their recent emotional and psychological experiences.

Participants select the response option that best describes how often they have experienced each symptom, thought, emotion, or physical difficulty.

The assessment focuses on depressive symptoms, emotional well-being, physical symptoms, cognitive functioning, sleep, appetite, and emotional distress during recent functioning.

Participation

This assessment is intended for educational, screening, and research purposes only.

Results should not be considered a clinical diagnosis or substitute for professional psychological, psychiatric, or medical evaluation.

Individuals experiencing severe emotional distress, hopelessness, suicidal thoughts, or major impairment in daily functioning are strongly encouraged to seek support from a qualified mental health professional or healthcare provider.

Scoring & Interpretation

Responses are scored on a 1–4 scale according to symptom frequency and severity.

Several positively worded items are reverse-scored to reflect emotional well-being and healthy functioning.

Higher scores generally indicate stronger depressive symptoms, emotional distress, hopelessness, fatigue, physical discomfort, and functional impairment.

The SDS is commonly used as a screening tool to help identify individuals who may benefit from additional psychological or psychiatric evaluation.

Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) Questionnaire

Instructions & Terms

Below is the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), a digitally adapted 20- items self-assessment questionnaire. This assessment does not provide a clinical diagnosis, medical determination, or substitute for professional psychological evaluation.

Question 1 of 20 Depressed Mood

I feel down hearted and blue.


Question 2 of 20 Positive Mood

Morning is when I feel the best.


Question 3 of 20 Crying and Emotional Distress

I have crying spells or feel like it.


Question 4 of 20 Sleep Difficulties

I have trouble sleeping at night.


Question 5 of 20 Appetite and Eating Patterns

I eat as much as I used to.


Question 6 of 20 Loss of Enjoyment

I still enjoy sex.


Question 7 of 20 Appetite and Eating Patterns

I notice that I am losing weight.


Question 8 of 20 Physical and Somatic Symptoms

I have trouble with constipation.


Question 9 of 20 Physical and Somatic Symptoms

My heart beats faster than usual.


Question 10 of 20 Fatigue and Low Energy

I get tired for no reason.


Question 11 of 20 Cognitive Functioning

My mind is as clear as it used to be.


Question 12 of 20 Cognitive Functioning

I find it easy to do the things I used to.


Question 13 of 20 Restlessness and Irritability

I am restless and can’t keep still.


Question 14 of 20 Hopelessness and Self-Worth

I feel hopeful about the future.


Question 15 of 20 Restlessness and Irritability

I am more irritable than usual.


Question 16 of 20 Cognitive Functioning

I find it easy to make decisions.


Question 17 of 20 Hopelessness and Self-Worth

I feel that I am useful and needed.


Question 18 of 20 Hopelessness and Self-Worth

My life is pretty full.


Question 19 of 20 Suicidal Thoughts

I feel that others would be better off if I were dead.


Question 20 of 20 Loss of Enjoyment

I still enjoy the things I used to do.




Psychometric Norms

1
Participants
48%
Community Mean
0%
Sample SD
48%
Highest Observed Score
48%
Lowest Observed Score
2026–2026
Collection Period

Current normative data for theCurrent normative data for the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) are derived from 1 anonymous participant responses collected through TraitProfiler between 2026 and 2026. All response data are collected anonymously and are intended exclusively for educational, psychometric, and non-commercial research purposes.

Sources
  1. Zung, W. W. K. A Self-Rating Depression Scale.