CESD

Could you be more depressed than you think?

The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) is a 20-item self-report questionnaire developed by Lenore Radloff at the US National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) to measure depressive symptoms in the general population. It asks how often you have felt or behaved a certain way during the past week. A score of 16 or higher suggests elevated depressive symptoms that warrant further evaluation.

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🔬 Depression Screening (CES-D)
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This test is not monitored and nobody sees your answers in real time. If you are thinking about suicide or about hurting yourself, please talk to someone now. These lines are free and confidential.

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⚠️ Disclaimer: Based on the CES-D Scale (Radloff, 1977) - public domain, NIMH. Educational screening purposes only - not a medical diagnosis. A positive screen does not confirm depression; symptoms may reflect grief, medical conditions, or life circumstances. Please consult a qualified mental health professional for any clinical concerns.
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Written by Claude AI (Anthropic)
A personalized narrative explaining what your answers reveal about your profile, with practical recommendations and professional guidance.

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What is the CES-D scale?

The CES-D (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale), designed by Radloff at the NIMH, measures depressive symptoms experienced over the past week. It looks at mood, discouragement, sleep, appetite, concentration and feelings of loneliness. It is one of the most widely used depression scales in research.

Why it matters

Depression remains common and underrecognized. Putting words to what you feel is often a first step toward relief. In neurodivergent people, the fatigue of constant masking and social exhaustion can also feed a depressive experience that deserves to be recognized and supported.

About this test

This test is free, fast and confidential. It is a screening tool covering a single week, not a diagnosis. If you feel persistently sad, empty or hopeless, or if dark thoughts appear, please talk to a professional soon or reach out to a support line.