Introduction:
The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) screens how often you felt twenty common mood-related experiences during the past seven-day period.
This implementation presents each statement through a responsive, reactive interface, reverse-scores four positive items, totals every answer, then visualises the result on a semicircular gauge.
Share a snapshot with a trusted professional or track changes over time; it is not a substitute for clinical evaluation. This self-assessment does not diagnose or treat depression.
Technical Details:
Answers map to integers 0–3. Positive statements flip to 3 − value, ensuring higher totals always reflect more frequent symptoms.
| Phase | Process |
|---|---|
| Input capture | Reactive engine binds radio options to an array. |
| Scoring | Algorithm reverse-scores four upbeat items. |
| Totaling | Fast array reduce computes a 0–60 sum. |
| Visual output | Charting layer renders a coloured half-gauge. |
- 0–15 → Minimal symptoms
- 16–20 → Mild symptoms
- 21–30 → Moderate symptoms
- 31–60 → Severe symptoms
Everything runs locally; no responses are transmitted or stored.
Calculations & Scoring:
The CES-D total emerges through three streamlined operations.
Enter 0–3 for every statement.
Replace each value v with 3 − v on upbeat statements.
The running total provides your CES-D score.
Scores 31 + fall into the Severe band.
Final Result
Your total CES-D score appears instantly with a severity label.
Step-by-Step Guide:
Use these clear steps to finish the questionnaire efficiently.
- Click Start Assessment.
- Select one frequency option, e.g. Rarely or none, for each item.
- Navigate with the right-hand list to unanswered questions.
- Watch the progress bar until it reaches 100 %.
- Review the colour-coded gauge and summary guidance.
- Print or save the detailed answer table if needed.
FAQ:
Quick answers to popular questions about scoring and privacy.
Is my data stored?
No. Everything stays inside your browser and is cleared when you close the tab.
What does a high score mean?
Higher totals reflect more frequent depressive experiences, not a definitive diagnosis.
How often should I retake it?
Weekly or monthly repeats help monitor trend changes; follow professional advice for your situation.
Is it suitable for children?
The CES-D was validated in adults; consult a clinician for child-appropriate tools.
Can I share results?
The browser URL encodes your answers; copy and send the link without revealing personal data.
Troubleshooting:
Resolve common issues quickly using the guidance below.
- Gauge missing — refresh; the charting layer may have failed to initialise.
- Progress bar stuck — check every question has a selected option.
- Cannot scroll list — collapse the mobile keyboard then retry.
- Link does not load answers — ensure the “r=” parameter is 20 characters long.
- Print layout off-centre — use landscape orientation with 90 % scale.
Advanced Tips:
Optimise tracking and interpretation with these expert pointers.
- Complete the scale at the same time each day for consistency.
- Pair results with a mood diary to uncover triggers.
- Avoid testing within 24 hours of major events for balance.
- Export scores to a spreadsheet for long-term graphs.
- Seek professional input when scores remain high across sessions.
Glossary:
Key terms explained concisely.
- CES-D
- Twenty-item scale measuring depressive symptom frequency.
- Reverse-scoring
- Flipping positive answers so higher numbers equal more symptoms.
- Severity band
- Qualitative label derived from the total.
- Gauge
- Semi-circular chart displaying numeric magnitude.
- Reactive engine
- Front-end layer updating results immediately.