Depression Screening Score
Screen for potential depression symptoms by rating mood, energy, sleep quality, and interest in activities on a 1–10 scale. Useful for self-monitoring or preparing for a conversation with a healthcare provider.
About this calculator
This calculator inverts four self-reported wellness ratings so that higher scores reflect greater symptom burden. The formula is: Score = ((10 − mood) + (10 − energy) + (10 − sleep) + (10 − interest)) / 4. Because each factor is subtracted from 10, a low rating (e.g., mood = 2) contributes a high depression indicator (8), and a high rating contributes a low indicator. The result is averaged across the four dimensions, yielding a score from 0 to 9. Scores near 0 indicate minimal depressive indicators; scores above 6 suggest that multiple core symptoms of depression — low mood, fatigue, disrupted sleep, and anhedonia — are present at a concerning level. This is an educational screening aid, not a clinical diagnosis.
How to use
Imagine you rate your mood at 4, energy at 3, sleep quality at 5, and interest in activities at 2. Apply the formula: Score = ((10−4) + (10−3) + (10−5) + (10−2)) / 4 = (6 + 7 + 5 + 8) / 4 = 26 / 4 = 6.5. A score of 6.5 out of 9 indicates several depressive symptoms are present at a moderate-to-high level. This would be a meaningful prompt to speak with a general practitioner or mental health professional about your wellbeing.
Frequently asked questions
How does the depression screening score formula work with inverted ratings?
Each input is rated 1–10 where higher means better (e.g., 10 = excellent mood). By computing 10 minus each value, the formula converts a wellness rating into a symptom indicator. A mood rating of 9 becomes a symptom score of 1 (minimal concern), while a mood rating of 2 becomes 8 (high concern). Averaging the four inverted scores gives a single number on a 0–9 scale that represents overall depressive symptom burden. This inversion approach keeps the user experience intuitive while making the math straightforward.
What depression symptoms does this calculator measure and why were they chosen?
The four dimensions — mood, energy, sleep quality, and interest in activities — correspond to core diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder as outlined in clinical frameworks like the DSM-5. Persistent low mood and loss of interest (anhedonia) are the two primary criteria; fatigue and sleep disturbances are among the most common accompanying symptoms. By covering these four areas, the calculator captures a meaningful cross-section of depressive experience. Other symptoms like appetite changes or concentration difficulties are not included, so the score should be interpreted as a partial, not comprehensive, screen.
When should I be concerned about my depression screening score and seek professional help?
As a general guideline, scores above 6 suggest that core depressive symptoms are significantly affecting your daily functioning and wellbeing. Even scores in the 4–6 range deserve attention if they persist over two weeks or more, as duration is a key clinical criterion for depression. You should seek professional help promptly if you experience any thoughts of self-harm or suicide, regardless of your score. A GP, psychologist, or psychiatrist can administer validated tools like the PHQ-9 and recommend appropriate treatment such as therapy, medication, or both.