The Beck keeps getting better!

You can assess depression with the Beck Depression Inventory®—II (BDI®–II), which is in line with the depression criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders—Fourth Edition (DSM–IV). This new edition of the Beck Depression Inventory®, the most widely used instrument for detecting depression, takes just five minutes to complete and is more clinically sensitive than ever.

New Items
Like its predecessor, the BDI–II consists of 21 items to assess the intensity of depression in clinical and normal patients. Each item is a list of four statements arranged in increasing severity about a particular symptom of depression. These new items bring the BDI–II into alignment with DSM–IV criteria.

Items on the new scale replace items that dealt with symptoms of weight loss, changes in body image, and somatic preoccupation. Another item on the BDI that tapped work difficulty was revised to examine loss of energy. Also, sleep loss and appetite loss items were revised to assess both increases and decreases in sleep and appetite.

Time Frame Increased
Current DSM–IV guidelines require assessing depression symptoms over the preceding two weeks. The time frame for the response set in the new edition was changed from one week to two to comply.

Improved Clinical Sensitivity
After testing original and new items on a large clinical sample (N = 500), test developers compared item-option characteristic curves. The new editions showed improved clinical sensitivity, with the reliability of the BDI–II (Coefficient Alpha = .92) higher than the BDI (Coefficient Alpha = .86).

Q-global

This test is available on Q-global™ - Pearson's new web-based platform for scoring and reporting. It's accessible anytime, from any computer connected to the Internet. Secure and affordable, this system helps you quickly and automatically organize information, generate scores, and produce accurate, comprehensive reports.

Q-global also offers:

• 24/7 secure, web-based access
• Portability: Q-global can be used on mobile devices such as a laptop or tablet
• On-demand, reliable scoring and comprehensive reporting solutions
• Pricing on a per-report basis

Interpretive Report
This concise report provides useful information such as the client's demographics, a graphical presentation of the client's raw and T scores, a brief interpretation of the client's test scores and a list of items endorsements.

View a sample BDI-II Interpretive Report

Progress Report
This report can help monitor a client's progress over time. It graphically displays changes in the client's scores. It is provided at no additional charge.

View a sample BDI-II Progress Report

US Panel Recommends Depression Screening for Adults

Read the article.

Meeting of Two Great Minds—

Western philosophy meets Eastern philosophy at the 2005 ICCP Conference
The Father of Cognitive Therapy speaks with his holiness the 14th Dalai Lama on how emotions, thoughts, and society impact our choices in life. You can experience this once in a lifetime event now.