The Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) is a concise self-report questionnaire designed to assess the levels of depression, anxiety, and stress in individuals. Developed by Lovibond and Lovibond in 1995, it serves as a valuable tool for both clinical and research purposes. www2.psy.unsw.edu.au
Structure of the DASS-21
The DASS-21 comprises 21 items, divided equally into three subscales:
- Depression Subscale: Evaluates symptoms such as sadness, lack of interest, and low energy.
- Anxiety Subscale: Assesses feelings of fear, nervousness, and physiological responses like trembling.
- Stress Subscale: Measures tension, irritability, and difficulty relaxing.
Each item is rated on a four-point Likert scale, ranging from 0 (“Did not apply to me at all”) to 3 (“Applied to me very much or most of the time”), reflecting the extent to which the individual experienced each symptom over the past week. www2.psy.unsw.edu.au
Scoring and Interpretation
To calculate the scores for each subscale, sum the scores of the relevant items and then multiply by two to align with the original DASS-42 scale. The resulting scores categorize the severity of symptoms as follows:
- Depression: Normal (0-9), Mild (10-13), Moderate (14-20), Severe (21-27), Extremely Severe (28+).
- Anxiety: Normal (0-7), Mild (8-9), Moderate (10-14), Severe (15-19), Extremely Severe (20+).
- Stress: Normal (0-14), Mild (15-18), Moderate (19-25), Severe (26-33), Extremely Severe (34+).
These classifications help in identifying the severity of an individual’s symptoms, guiding further assessment or intervention. www2.psy.unsw.edu.au
Limitations
While the DASS-21 is a useful screening tool, it does not replace a comprehensive clinical evaluation. Notably, it does not assess for suicidal ideation, which is crucial for a complete mental health assessment. Therefore, it should be used as part of a broader assessment strategy. verywellmind.com
Conclusion
The DASS-21 is a practical instrument for assessing depression, anxiety, and stress levels. By understanding its structure and interpretation, individuals and professionals can utilize it effectively to monitor mental health and guide interventions.
If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, or stress, consider reaching out to a mental health professional for a comprehensive evaluation and support.
