Online Depression Test (MDI)

A woman sits at a computer, taking an online depression test. She looks focused and contemplative as she answers the questions on the screen

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Understanding the Major Depression Index (MDI)

Purpose: The MDI is a tool designed to identify common symptoms of major depressive disorder, assisting in depression screening by observing critical clinical signs.
Assessment Categories: It delves into four main areas: daily routines, emotional states, and typical reactions, which are pivotal in diagnosing depressive disorder.
Time Frame for Responses: Individuals are encouraged to reflect on their experiences and state of mind over the past two weeks when responding to the MDI questions.

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Take Assessment

The quiz is anonymous. You must be 18 years or older to take this quiz. We do not save or collect any information.

Scores often fluctuate over time, and while these quizzes can be a helpful starting point, they can’t capture your full unique situation. Even well-designed screening tools can sometimes be misleading or cause unnecessary worry.

Please answer the following questions by considering your behavior in the past 2 weeks:

1. I feel sad:
Rarely (0)
Sometimes (+1)
Often (+2)
Most of the time (+3)
All the time (+4)

2. I feel discouraged about the future:
Rarely (0)
Sometimes (+1)
Often (+2)
Most of the time (+3)
All the time (+4)

3. I have trouble making decisions, even about small things:
Rarely (0)
Sometimes (+1)
Often (+2)
Most of the time (+3)
All the time (+4)

4. I have lost interest in activities I used to enjoy:
Rarely (0)
Sometimes (+1)
Often (+2)
Most of the time (+3)
All the time (+4)

5. I feel tired without any reason:
Rarely (0)
Sometimes (+1)
Often (+2)
Most of the time (+3)
All the time (+4)

6. I feel worthless or guilty about things I shouldn't:
Rarely (0)
Sometimes (+1)
Often (+2)
Most of the time (+3)
All the time (+4)

7. I have difficulty concentrating, remembering details, or making decisions:
Rarely (0)
Sometimes (+1)
Often (+2)
Most of the time (+3)
All the time (+4)

8. I have thoughts of death or suicide:
Rarely (0)
Sometimes (+1)
Often (+2)
Most of the time (+3)
All the time (+4)

9. I feel restless or have trouble sitting still:
Rarely (0)
Sometimes (+1)
Often (+2)
Most of the time (+3)
All the time (+4)

10. I have lost or gained a significant amount of weight without trying:
Rarely (0)
Sometimes (+1)
Often (+2)
Most of the time (+3)
All the time (+4)

11. I have trouble sleeping, either too much or too little:
Rarely (0)
Sometimes (+1)
Often (+2)
Most of the time (+3)
All the time (+4)

12. I feel like my emotions are numb:
Rarely (0)
Sometimes (+1)
Often (+2)
Most of the time (+3)
All the time (+4)

13. I feel overwhelmed by my responsibilities:
Rarely (0)
Sometimes (+1)
Often (+2)
Most of the time (+3)
All the time (+4)

14. I feel irritable and get annoyed easily:
Rarely (0)
Sometimes (+1)
Often (+2)
Most of the time (+3)
All the time (+4)

15. I have lost interest in maintaining my personal hygiene or appearance:
Rarely (0)
Sometimes (+1)
Often (+2)
Most of the time (+3)
All the time (+4)

16. I feel disconnected from others or my surroundings:
Rarely (0)
Sometimes (+1)
Often (+2)
Most of the time (+3)
All the time (+4)

17. I find it difficult to deal with daily stressors:
Rarely (0)
Sometimes (+1)
Often (+2)
Most of the time (+3)
All the time (+4)

18. I experience physical symptoms like headaches or stomachaches:
Rarely (0)
Sometimes (+1)
Often (+2)
Most of the time (+3)
All the time (+4)

19. I feel a lack of motivation to initiate or complete tasks:
Rarely (0)
Sometimes (+1)
Often (+2)
Most of the time (+3)
All the time (+4)

20. I feel emotionally drained or burnt out:
Rarely (0)
Sometimes (+1)
Often (+2)
Most of the time (+3)
All the time (+4)

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Interpretation

Your Score

The MDI is designed to assess the presence and level of depressive symptoms by evaluating their type and how often they occur. Scores range from 0 (no depression) to 80 (severe depression). The scoring is segmented into four distinct categories for a nuanced understanding:

MDI Score - Depression Severity:
- 0 - 19: None
- 20 - 24: Mild
- 25 - 29: Moderate
- 30 and above: Severe

Learn More

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Thank you for taking the time to complete our online mental health assessment. If you have any concerns or questions about your results, we encourage you to discuss them with a licensed BetterHelp therapist who can provide tailored guidance and support.

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Sources

American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596

Bech P, Rasmussen NA, Olsen LR, Noerholm V, Abildgaard W. The sensitivity and specificity of the Major Depression Inventory, using the Present State Examination as the index of diagnostic validity. J Affect Disord. 2001; 66(2-3):159-64.

Olsen LR, Jensen DV, Noerholm V, Martiny K, Bech P. The internal and external validity of the Major Depression Inventory in measuring severity of depressive states. Psychol Med. 2003; 33(2):351-6.