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Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology (QIDS-SR16)

Tracks the severity of depressive symptoms over time via self-assessment.

Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology (QIDS-SR16)
Sleep disturbance (onset, mid-night waking, early waking, or oversleeping)
Sad mood
Appetite or weight change (decreased or increased)
Concentration and decision-making
Self-outlook (guilt or self-criticism)
Thoughts of death or suicide
Interest in usual activities and people
Energy level
Psychomotor change (slowing or restlessness)
Result0 points

None depressive symptom severity (QIDS-SR16 range 0-27).

Severity band
none

When to use

  • Quantifying and tracking the severity of depressive symptoms over time in patients with suspected or known major depressive disorder.

Formula

Sum of 9 DSM symptom-domain scores (each 0-3). Sleep, appetite/weight, and psychomotor domains are each defined by the instrument as the highest-scoring of several component symptoms (e.g., insomnia vs. hypersomnia) within that domain. Total range 0-27.

Pearls and pitfalls

  • Score the sleep, appetite/weight, and psychomotor items using whichever component symptom is most severe for that patient.
  • A self-report severity tracker, not a diagnostic interview; item 6 (suicidal ideation) always warrants direct clinical follow-up regardless of total score.

References

  1. Rush AJ, Trivedi MH, Ibrahim HM, et al. The 16-Item Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology (QIDS), clinician rating (QIDS-C) and self-report (QIDS-SR): a psychometric evaluation in patients with chronic major depression. Biol Psychiatry. 2003;54(5):573-583.