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The DASS-21 is a 21-item measure of depression, anxiety, and stress. Each item is rated 0-3, producing a total score of 0-63. Subscales: Depression (items 3,5,10,13,16,17,21), Anxiety (2,4,7,9,15,19,20), Stress (1,6,8,11,12,14,18). For severity bands, multiply subscale raw scores by 2.
Please read each statement and indicate how much the statement applied to you over the past week. There are no right or wrong answers.
Use as a transdiagnostic screening tool at assessment and for routine outcome monitoring, particularly when the clinical picture includes mixed anxiety, depression, and stress symptoms. The DASS-21 differentiates between these three constructs more precisely than single-construct measures.
Present as a brief well-being questionnaire that helps capture the breadth of the client's difficulties. Explain that it measures three related but distinct aspects of emotional distress.
The DASS-21 can be used alongside disorder-specific measures for a more comprehensive assessment profile. For clients completing multiple measures, consider alternating the DASS-21 with other tools to reduce assessment burden.
The DASS-21 is a screening and outcome measure, not a diagnostic tool. Do not use scores in isolation to make diagnostic decisions. The stress subscale in particular should be interpreted cautiously as it overlaps with general arousal rather than measuring a specific clinical construct.
Compare subscale profiles across time points rather than focusing solely on total scores. A client whose depression subscale drops while anxiety remains elevated may need a treatment plan adjustment. The DASS-21 is freely available for clinical use, making it a cost-effective addition to routine outcome monitoring.
Scores are calculated automatically when your client completes this measure (range 0–63).
Suitable for clients working with outcome-measure, depression, anxiety, stress, dass-21, validated. This tool can be used as a standalone worksheet or as part of a structured homework plan.
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The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) is a 9-item self-report measure of depression severity. Each item is rated 0-3 (not at all to nearly every day), producing a total score of 0-27. It is the IAPT core depression measure and is administered at every clinical contact.
The Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN) is a 17-item self-report measure of social anxiety. Each item is rated 0-4, producing a total score of 0-68. Used as the IAPT ADSM for social anxiety disorder.
The PHQ-15 is a 15-item somatic symptom severity measure. Each item is rated 0-2, producing a total score of 0-30. Used as the IAPT measure for medically unexplained symptoms (MUS).
The Chalder Fatigue Scale is an 11-item measure of fatigue severity. Each item is rated 0-3 using Likert scoring, producing a total score of 0-33. Used as the IAPT measure for CFS/ME presentations.