Читать книгу Abnormal Psychology - William J. Ray - Страница 167

At times, it is important to know what a person’s symptoms are and how that person may compare with others in terms of reporting these symptoms. A variety of questionnaires have been developed that focus on particular sets of symptoms such as those associated with pain, sleep disorders, anxiety, and depression.

Beck Depression Inventory (BDI): a questionnaire useful for determining the level of depressive symptoms that a person is reporting

The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) has been used in both clinical and research settings to assess symptoms associated with the experience of depression (A. T. Beck & Beck, 1972). The BDI has 21 items, each of which is presented in a four-choice format where the individual is asked to indicate which choice best fits his or her current experience. Here is an example:

 I am not particularly discouraged about the future.

 I feel discouraged about the future.

 I feel I have nothing to look forward to.

 I feel the future is hopeless and that things cannot improve.

A questionnaire such as the BDI is useful for determining the level of depressive symptoms that a person is reporting. Given that the measure has been in use for more than 40 years, there is considerable clinical and research data available in terms of level of depressive severity. The measure is also useful for noting changes in depression level during various types of treatment. During psychotherapy, for example, the measure could be given weekly to document changes in depressive experiences. A newer version of the scale (BDI-II) was developed in 1996 in response to the publication of DSM–IV, which changed a number of the diagnostic criteria for depression.