What common mental health assessment tool uses a scale from 0 to 27 to assess depression severity?

The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) is a widely used assessment tool that employs a scale to evaluate the severity of depression. The BDI consists of 21 items, and each item is rated on a scale of 0 to 3, allowing for a total score range from 0 to 63. However, it seems the interpretation may be slightly misaligned with the details of the question regarding the specific scoring range indicated.

It’s important to note that while the BDI is indeed a recognized measure of depression severity, the scale from 0 to 27 is more closely associated with the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), which is a simpler tool that provides a score reflecting the severity of depressive symptoms over the past two weeks. The BDI is primarily used for more detailed evaluations, whereas the PHQ-9, with its score ranging from 0 to 27, captures a broader assessment of current depressive symptoms.

Thus, the correct understanding of the tools can enhance the comprehension of depression assessment in clinical settings.