CES-D
Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale
A widely used self-report measure of depressive symptom frequency in the general population.
At a Glance
- Population
- Adults (general population and clinical samples)
- Number of Items
- 20 items (a 10-item short form is also published)
- Instrument Type
- PROM
- Digital Administration Availability
- Suitable for self-report electronic administration
- Automated Scoring Availability
- Yes — simple sum score, 0–60
- Suitable Use Settings
- Epidemiological research, primary care, and mental health screening
About the Instrument
Developed by Lenore Radloff at the U.S. National Institute of Mental Health in 1977, the CES-D is one of the most extensively used self-report depression symptom scales in population research.
What It Measures
Frequency of depressive symptoms over the past week, including depressed mood, feelings of guilt/worthlessness, sleep disturbance, and appetite.
Digital Administration
Delivered electronically through the PROMinsight platform as part of a digital patient-reported outcomes workflow.
Scoring / Reporting
Twenty items are each scored 0–3 (with reverse scoring for positively worded items) and summed to a 0–60 total, with a commonly used cut-off around 16 to indicate clinically significant symptoms.
Use in Research / Clinical Care / Clinical Trials
Extensively used in epidemiological and population health research on depression since the 1970s.
Enquire About This Instrument
Interested in using the CES-D in your research, clinical programme or study? Contact PROMinsight to discuss access.
Enquire About This Instrument