The Major (ICD-10) Depression Inventory is an instrument covering both the DSM-IV and ICD-10 symptoms of depression. It can be used as a diagnostic instrument to evaluate a person for depressive illness as well as a measuring instrument to monitor the severity of the illness.
NOTE: This content was prepared by J. de Waard (jdewaard@bart.nl).
Components: 10 questions, with responses on a 6-point Likert scale based on frequency of the past 14 days. Two (8 and 10) are subdivided into two subitems (a and b). Only the higher scores of the 2 subitems from 8 and 10 (either a or b) are included in the final analysis.
The instrument consists of 10 questions related to feelings over the past 2 weeks.
Response for the 10 Questions |
Points |
all of the time |
5 |
most of the time |
4 |
more than half of the time |
3 |
less than half of the time |
2 |
some of the time |
1 |
at no time |
0 |
For items 8 and 10, choose the subitem (a or b) with the highest score.
total score =
= SUM(points for all 10 items)
Interpretation:
• minimum total score: 0
• maximum total score: 50
• The higher the score, the greater the depression.
ICD-10 Criteria
Counting is based on the number of items with scores of 4 or 5 (frequencies "all of the time" or "most of the time").
Number of Items 1 to 3 with Score >= 4 |
Number of Items 4 to 10 with Score >= 4 |
Level of Depression |
2 |
>= 2 |
mild |
2 |
>= 4 |
moderate |
3 |
>= 5 |
severe |
DSM-IV Criteria
Counting is based on the number of items with scores of 4 or 5 (frequency all or most of the time).
The number of items is reduced from 10 to 9, since item 4 is considered a part of item 5. The higher score of the 2 (items 4 and 5) is used for the final score.
Number of Items 1 and 2 with Score >= 4 |
Number of All 9 Items with Score >= 4 |
Level of Depression |
>= 1 |
>= 5 |
major |
Purpose: To evaluate a patient for clinical depression using the Major (ICD-10) Depression Inventory.
Specialty: Psychiatry
Objective: criteria for diagnosis
ICD-10: F31, F32, F33, F34,