The scale of Beck's depression was proposed by American psychotherapist Aaron Temkin Beck, in 1961. It was developed on the basis of clinical observations of patients with pronounced symptoms of depression and the study of complaints often made by patients.
After a thorough examination of the literature, which contained symptoms and descriptions of depression, the American psychotherapist developed a scale for evaluating Beck's depression, she presented a questionnaire containing 21 categories of complaints and symptoms of depression. Each category contains 4-5 statements, corresponding to various specific manifestations of depression.
Initially, the questionnaire could be used only by a qualified specialist (psychologist, sociologist or psychotherapist). He had to read aloud the items from each category, after which the patient chose the statement, which, in his opinion, corresponded to the present state of the patient. According to the answers provided by the patient at the end of the session, the specialist determined the level of depression on the Beck scale, after which a copy of the questionnaire was given to the patient, in order to track the improvement or deterioration of his condition.
Over time, the testing process was greatly simplified. At present, it is very simple to determine the level of depression on the Bek scale. The questionnaire is issued to the patient, and he himself fills all the items. After that, he can see the results of the test himself, draw the appropriate conclusions and seek the help of a specialist.
The calculation of the indicators of the Bek hopelessness scale can be as follows: each point of the scale has an estimate from 0 to 3, depending on the severity of the symptoms. The sum of all points is from 0 to 62, it also depends on the level of the depressed state of the patient. The results of the Beck scale test are interpreted as follows:
- 0-9 - absence of depression;
- 10-15 - mild depression;
- 16-19 - moderate depression;
- 20-29 - severe depression;
- 30-63 - severe depression;
The depression level on the Beck scale also has two subscales:
- cognitive-affective subscale (CA);
- subscale somatic manifestations of depression (SP).
The Beck Depression Assessment Scale is effectively used today. This technique has become a truly brilliant discovery. It allows not only to assess the level of depression, but also to select the most effective treatment.