Skip to main content

Translate Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS)


Original Title

Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS)

Translated Title
Background

<section class="gds-background">
<div class="info-box">
The <strong>Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS)</strong> is a widely used self-report screening instrument developed to assess symptoms commonly associated with depression and emotional distress.
</div>
<div class="info-box">
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.
</div>
<div class="info-box">
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.
</div>
<h4>Psychological Domains Measured</h4>
<div class="domain-grid">
<div class="domain-card">
<strong>Depressed Mood</strong>
<span>Measures sadness, emotional suffering, low mood, and depressive emotional functioning.</span>
</div>
<div class="domain-card">
<strong>Positive Mood</strong>
<span>Measures optimism, positive emotional outlook, and emotional resilience.</span>
</div>
<div class="domain-card">
<strong>Crying and Emotional Distress</strong>
<span>Measures tearfulness, emotional sensitivity, and emotional overwhelm.</span>
</div>
<div class="domain-card">
<strong>Sleep Difficulties</strong>
<span>Measures insomnia, disrupted sleep quality, and nighttime restlessness.</span>
</div>
<div class="domain-card">
<strong>Appetite and Eating Patterns</strong>
<span>Measures appetite changes, eating behavior, and weight-related concerns.</span>
</div>
<div class="domain-card">
<strong>Physical and Somatic Symptoms</strong>
<span>Measures bodily discomfort, constipation, rapid heartbeat, and physical stress-related symptoms.</span>
</div>
<div class="domain-card">
<strong>Fatigue and Low Energy</strong>
<span>Measures tiredness, low energy, exhaustion, and reduced physical motivation.</span>
</div>

<div class="domain-card">
<strong>Cognitive Functioning</strong>
<span>Measures concentration, mental clarity, decision-making, and cognitive confidence.</span>
</div>

<div class="domain-card">
<strong>Restlessness and Irritability</strong>
<span>Measures agitation, irritability, nervous tension, and difficulty remaining calm.</span>
</div>

<div class="domain-card">
<strong>Hopelessness and Self-Worth</strong>
<span>Measures hopefulness, self-esteem, usefulness, and feelings of emotional value.</span>
</div>

<div class="domain-card">
<strong>Suicidal Thoughts</strong>
<span>Measures thoughts related to death, hopelessness, and suicidal thinking.</span>
</div>

<div class="domain-card">
<strong>Loss of Enjoyment</strong>
<span>Measures reduced pleasure, emotional disengagement, and loss of interest in enjoyable experiences.</span>
</div></div>
<div class="notice-box">
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.
</div>

</section>

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

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.

Questions

Question 1

I feel down hearted and blue.

Question 2

Morning is when I feel the best.

Question 3

I have crying spells or feel like it.

Question 4

I have trouble sleeping at night.

Question 5

I eat as much as I used to.

Question 6

I still enjoy sex.

Question 7

I notice that I am losing weight.

Question 8

I have trouble with constipation.

Question 9

My heart beats faster than usual.

Question 10

I get tired for no reason.

Question 11

My mind is as clear as it used to be.

Question 12

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

Question 13

I am restless and can’t keep still.

Question 14

I feel hopeful about the future.

Question 15

I am more irritable than usual.

Question 16

I find it easy to make decisions.

Question 17

I feel that I am useful and needed.

Question 18

My life is pretty full.

Question 19

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

Question 20

I still enjoy the things I used to do.

Translator Information

Translator credits may be displayed publicly on the assessment page if the translation is approved.