Depression is becoming a prevalent problem world-wide as it is found not only to be a disorder that affects the adults, but the adolescents as well. Because of this, self-assessment instruments have become crucial in determining whether an individual indeed is suffering from depression. One of these tools is the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), which is accepted globally as a measure for depressive symptoms and which “has been used in more than 7,000 studies so far” (Wang & Gorenstein, 2013, p. 416). The BDI has undergone two revisions already, namely the BD in 1978 and the BDI-II in 1996. This last revision is what is currently being used and “taps psychological and somatic manifestations of 2-week major depressive episodes (Wang & Gorenstein, 2013, p. 416). With the creation of the BDI, the way healthcare professionals view depression has changed from the old belief as guided by Freud’s psychodynamic point of view to one that is directed by the patient’s own thoughts or according to the affected individual’s cognitions.
Similar to the previous version, the BDI II also has 21 items that aid in assess the gravity of depression of patients, both in normal and clinically ill people. Each item is composed of four statements that patients may choose from, which are all arranged according to intensity of specific symptoms. In the previous BDI version, symptoms pertaining to weight loss, body image, inability to work, and somatic preoccupation were replaced by “agitation, worthlessness, difficulty concentrating, and energy loss” (Wang & Gorenstein, 2013, p. 416). Additionally, the items pertaining appetite and changes in sleep patterns were modified to determine the effects of the increases or decreases on eating and sleep patterns. In terms of administration of the test, it may be a self-administered exam or verbally guided by an administrator that takes only about five to 10 minutes to complete. It may be administered to groups or individuals. This test was deemed appropriate for 13 through 80 year old patients (Beck, Steer, & Brown, 1996).
Reliability and Validity of Data
Based on studies conducted on a clinical sample of 500 patients, results revealed that the BDI II (Coefficient Alpha = .92) was clinically sensitive than the original BDI (Coefficient Alpha = .86). To come up with the patient’s results, the total score is derived by adding the weights assigned to the statements in the 21 items. Unlike in previous versions where the responses are based on a 1 week observation of the patients general well-being, the BDI II specifically asked patients to respond in consideration and in observance of their general welfare the past two weeks to be able to assess major depression (Beck, Steer, & Brown, 1996).
In terms of validity, the results of the tests conducted on the clinical sample yielded a high “correlation between the BDI-II and BDI-IA (n=0, r=.93), suggesting that these measures yield similar patterns of scores, even though the BDI-II, on average, produced equated scores that were about 3 points higher” (Beck, Steer, & Brown, 1996). The authors also found out that the new version showed positive correlations with the Beck Hopelessness Scale and the Revised Hamilton Psychiatric Rating Scale for Depression, although for the latter, the results yielded a less significant correlation with BDI-II. With the Beck Anxiety Inventory, BDI-II displayed a moderately high correlation, which was consistent with previous studies (Beck, Steer, & Brown, 1996).
Usefulness in Formulating a Diagnosis and Treatment Plan
The Beck Depression Instrument II can be a useful method in formulating a diagnosis and treatment plan for my clients because it is “a user-friendly self-report measure of depression severity” (Beck, Steer, & Brown, 1996). This new version shows high level of reliability of data and test item attributes, which can help in understanding an individual’s current state of mind or well-being. What makes it even better is the assessment period is not long, thus, giving the patient enough basis for choosing his or her answers. Additionally, the test can easily be completed in just 5-10 minutes, which will not add further agitation to the condition of the patient.
References
Beck, A.T., Steer, R.A., & Brown, G.K. (1996). Beck Depression Inventory II. Retrieved from http://ezp.waldenulibrary.org/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=mmt&AN=test.1930&site=ehost-live&scope=site
Wang, Y., & Gorenstein, C. (2013). Psychometric properties of the Beck Depression Inventory II: a comprehensive review. Revista Brasileira de Psiquitaria 35:416-431. PDF.
