There are number of tests to check depression level in the scientific field. From the depression hotlines, it is found that Beck depression test published in 1996 is effective. They have helped in the fields of psychiatry and psychology to a greater extent. It is questionnaire containing 21 questions with multiple choices. The patient can answer the questions in a way that the answers are pertaining to the details of the past two weeks. Only then would the Beck Depression test be accurate and effective.
The questions in the Beck Depression test would be regarding the symptoms, moods and feelings of the person who is depressed. It would be related to any feeling, may be sadness, failure, guilt, hopelessness, agitation, suicide thoughts, lack of interest, etc. According to the severity of depression the score would be provided from zero to three. The total score obtained in the test would help us find if the severity is mild, moderate or severe. If the rating is less than 15, then the depression is mild, if between 15 and 30, it is Moderate Depression, if greater than 30, it is a Severe Depression. Thus the results of the Beck Depression test help finding remedies and treatments. Reynolds Child Depression scale is widely used in schools to screen depression in the childhood stage.