Please note: This test is typically administered by a third-party clinician, but it is provided here informational purposes. This test may not be as accurate when self-administered, as it relies on a somewhat objective assessment.

Specify one of the choices listed below by clicking the dot next to the appropriate statement. These questions concern how the patient has felt over the past week. Rate each item on a scale from 0 to 6, with 0 being “normal/not present” and 6 being “extreme.”

Numbers 1, 3, and 5 do not have their own textual rating of severity, rather, these numbers are representative of levels in between two choices.

  1. Apparent Sadness

    Representing despondency, gloom and despair, (more than just ordinary transient low spirits) reflected in speech, facial expression, and posture. Rate by depth and inability to brighten up.

  2. Reported Sadness

    Representing reports of depressed mood, regardless of whether it is reflected in appearance or not. Includes low spirits, despondency or the feeling of being beyond help and without hope. Rate according to intensity, duration and the extent to which the mood is reported to be influenced by events.

  3. Inner Tension

    Representing feelings of ill-defined discomfort, edginess, inner turmoil, mental tension mounting to either panic, dread or anguish. Rate according to intensity, frequency, duration and the extent of reassurance called for.

  4. Reduced Sleep

    Representing the experience of reduced duration or depth of sleep compared to the subject’s own normal pattern when well.

  5. Reduced Appetite

    Representing the feeling of a loss of appetite compared with when well. Rate by loss of desire for food or the need to force oneself to eat.

  6. Concentration Difficulties

    Representing difficulties in collecting one’s thoughts mounting to incapacitating lack of concentration. Rate according to intensity, frequency, and degree of incapacity produced.

  7. Lassitude

    Representing a difficulty getting started or slowness initiating and performing everyday activities.

  8. Inability to Feel

    Representing the subjective experience of reduced interest in the surroundings, or activities that normally give pleasure.The ability to react with adequate emotion to circumstances or people is reduced.

  9. Pessimistic Thoughts

    Representing thoughts of guilt, inferiority, self-reproach, sinfulness, remorse and ruin.

  10. Suicidal Thoughts

    Representing the feeling that life is not worth living, that a natural death would be welcome, suicidal thoughts, and preparations for suicide. Suicidal attempts should not in themselves influence the rating.

Sources
  1. SA Montgomery, M Asberg. A New Depression Scale Designed to be Sensitive to Change. British Journal of Psychiatry 134 (4): 382–89. 04-1979.
  2. JBW Williams, KA Kobak. Development and Reliability of a Structured Interview Guide for the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (SIGMA). The British Journal of Psychiatry 192 (1): 52–58. .