Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21)

Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21)

The Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) is a 21-item psychometric tool designed to assess the levels of depression, anxiety, and stress, which are increasingly common in the general population. This test is frequently used to evaluate the psychological state of individuals facing life challenges, such as job loss, injury, or other difficult circumstances.

Structure of the DASS-21

The DASS-21 consists of three self-report subscales, each measuring a different emotional state:

• Depression Scale: Assesses dysphoria, hopelessness, self-deprecation, loss of interest, anhedonia, and inertia.
• Anxiety Scale: Measures autonomic arousal, muscle tension, situational anxiety, and the subjective experience of anxious affect.
• Stress Scale: Evaluates chronic non-specific arousal, including difficulty relaxing, nervous tension, agitation, irritability, and impatience.

Each subscale contains 7 items, and scores for depression, anxiety, and stress are calculated by summing the relevant responses.

Purpose of the Test

• Facilitate self-assessment of mental health.
• Provide insights into emotional well-being and help plan professional consultations accordingly.
• Compile relevant information for more effective discussions with healthcare providers.

Note: This test is for informational purposes only and does not replace a medical diagnosis by a qualified mental health professional.

Test Guidelines

• Carefully read each question and select the response that best reflects your emotional state over the past week.
• There are no right or wrong answers - answer based on your actual feelings.
• Avoid spending too much time on any single statement.