Deenz Agitated Depression Scale (DADS)

Agitated depression test/quiz is an interactive version of the Deenz Agitated Depression Scale (DADS). The scale measures agitated depression across a spectrum of traits rather than relying solely on an overall score. The scale screens for key facets of agitated depression including psychomotor agitation, irritability, anxiety, dysphoria, cognitive dysregulation, fatigue, guilt, impulsivity, and behavioral or interpersonal impact.

DADS is a preliminary psychometric instrument developed for measuring agitated depression tendencies and their impact. Agitated depression refers to a pattern of depressive symptoms accompanied by inner restlessness, physical agitation, irritability, and anxiety. Individuals experiencing agitated depression may feel emotionally low while simultaneously experiencing tension, agitation, pacing, worry, and difficulty relaxing.

Although DSM-5 does not classify agitated depression as a separate depressive disorder, researchers increasingly recognize agitation as an important feature that may accompany depressive episodes. This perspective has led to the development of psychometric instruments that specifically assess agitation-related depressive symptoms.

The Deenz Agitated Depression Scale was developed using contemporary perspectives on depressive disorders and psychomotor agitation. The primary purpose of the scale is to measure tendencies toward agitated depression and evaluate the impact of symptoms on overall functioning and well-being.

This assessment is intended for educational and self-reflection purposes only. Participation is completely anonymous and no personally identifying information is collected or stored.

Each item is rated on a five-point agreement scale.

Raw Score Range:
0–108

Results include an Overall Agitated Depression Index and scores for nine dimensions:

• Agitation
• Irritability
• Anxiety
• Dysphoria
• Cognitive Dysregulation
• Fatigue
• Guilt
• Impulsivity
• Behavioral Impact

Each dimension contains 3 items.

Dimension scores are standardized to a 0–100 scale.

Overall Results:

• Minimal (0–20)
• Mild (21–40)
• Moderate (41–60)
• High (61–80)
• Very High (81–100)

I have been feeling very restless and unable to sit still.

I feel like my body is constantly tense or on edge.

I notice I move around or fidget without realizing it.

I get irritated or angry over small things.

I feel like I have a shorter temper than usual.

I find myself snapping at people more often.

I have been feeling more anxious or keyed up than usual.

My mind feels constantly active and unable to calm down.

I feel inner pressure as if something bad is about to happen.

I have been feeling hopeless or worthless.

I have lost interest in activities that once made me happy.

I feel emotionally drained and low most of the time.

I have difficulty concentrating on tasks.

I struggle to make simple decisions.

My thoughts feel scattered and hard to control.

I have been feeling physically exhausted or weak.

My muscles feel tight or tense most of the day.

I feel drained even after resting.

I often feel guilty for things that are not my fault.

I feel ashamed of who I am or how I’ve behaved.

I blame myself when things go wrong.

I act without thinking when I’m upset or agitated.

I feel like I’m losing control over my emotions.

My moods can change suddenly without reason.

I avoid people or situations because I fear I’ll lose my temper.

My irritability has caused problems with friends or family.

I have noticed negative changes in my behavior recently.