When looking at and using screening tools it is important to remember that:

1. These are tools, not the answer.

• There is no test that answers with certainty if someone is clinically depressed.  Tests and instruments are simply tools that are used to gather additional information about an individual and relate those findings to the person's suicide potential.

2. Reliability and validity are important to consider when using screening tools.

• If the screening tool is testing what it is supposed to test (validity) and if the screening tool consistently (reliability) tests persons to whom it is administered, mental health clinicians will have a better gauge as to how to interpret the results and ultimately help the person who is at risk.

3. It cannot be emphasized enough that any questions or concerns about an individual and/or a screening tool should always be directed toward a mental health professional.   If you are a mental health professional and need assistance interpreting a tool, contact a peer or supervisor who has been trained to understand and evaluate screening tools.

• The important thing to remember about screening tools is that they are used to better understand an individual who may be having a difficult time.   It is always best to get a client assistance and a proper mental health evaluation by a trained health care professional.

Screening Tools

This Web site does not present an exhaustive listing of depression screening tools, but rather presents tools that have been recommended by experts in the field of suicidology.   There are many other effective tools available to help health care professional assess suicide risk and depression in their clients.

The following citations can help you to locate the listed depression screening tools through your local library or you can access Resources for help to locate the assessments.

Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II)

Beck Hopelessness Scale

Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D)

Children's Depression Inventory (CDI)

Children's Depression Scale (CDS)

Hamilton Rating Scale (HRS)

Internet

Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER): Children's Depression Scale (CDS)

The ACER's mission is to create and disseminate knowledge and tools that can be used to improve learning.   ACER believes in the importance of ongoing, lifelong learning both for the fulfillment of individuals and for the well-being of society, and our commitment to the use of systematic investigation, evaluation and critical reflection in the search for ways to improve learning.

General information and ordering for the CDS is available from ACER at the following Web address:

http://www.acer.edu.au/scripts/Product.php3?family_code=RC

Internet

Center for Gerontology and Health Care Research at Brown University Medical School: Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D)

The Center for Gerontology and Health Care Research is a mature, nationally respected, multi-disciplinary research center with a special focus on the diverse health and social service needs of persons with chronic illnesses, especially older adults.  

The Web site, supported by Brown University Medical School, provides a PDF file of the CES-ID tool with a small explanation for how to score the tool.

http://www.chcr.brown.edu/pcoc/cesdscale.pdf

Internet

Columbia University Teen Screen Program: Mental Health Check-ups for Youth

This Web site is sponsored by the Columbia University Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and helps parents, teachers and counselors identify youths at risk for depression, suicide, or other mental health issues. Screening of an at-risk youth can be conducted using the Web site with permission of a parent and results communicated in a timely and confidential manner.

The Teen Screen Program Web site is available at the following Web address:

http://www.teenscreen.org

Internet

Pearson Assessments: Children's Depression Inventory (CDI)

Pearson Assessments is a private company that is a leader in providing psychological assessments for use by mental health, medical, and career - guidance professionals.

Reprints of and information about the CDI are available from The Pearson Assessments Web site which is accessible at the following Web address:

http://assessments.ncspearson.com/assessments/tests/cdi.htm

Internet

The Psychological Corporation: Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II)

The Psychological Corporation is a private company dedicated to develop and distribute tests and related products for professionals in psychology, health, business, general education, bilingual education, special education, and other areas serving people of all ages and cultures.

Information about and order information for the BDI-II is available at the following Web address:

Internet

The Psychological Corporation: Beck Hopelessness Scale

The Psychological Corporation is a private company dedicated to develop and distribute tests and related products for professionals in psychology, health, business, general education, bilingual education, special education, and other areas serving people of all ages and cultures.

Information about and order information for the Beck Hopelessness Scale is available at the following Web address:

http://marketplace.psychcorp.com/PsychCorp.com/Cultures/en-US/Products/Product+Detail.htm?CS_ProductID=015-8133-609&CS_Category=Adult&CS_Catalog=TPC-USCatalog