Child & adolescent
CES-DC Child Depression Scale
A 20-item depression screen for children and teens.
About this test
The CES-DC is the child and adolescent version of the CES-D depression scale, worded for younger people and covering the past week. Four positively worded items are reverse-scored automatically. A total of 15 or more is a common cutoff.
What your score means
| Score | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| 0–14 | Below cutoff |
| 15–30 | Elevated symptoms |
| 31–60 | High symptoms |
Frequently asked questions
Who is the CES-DC for?
Children and adolescents. It is the youth-worded version of the CES-D and is in the public domain.
What score is a concern?
A total of 15 or more is a common cutoff suggesting elevated depressive symptoms. It is a screen, not a diagnosis.
Related screenings
PHQ-APHQ-A Teen Depression ScreenPSC-17Pediatric Symptom Checklist (PSC-17)ASRS-v1.1Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS Screener)
Source: Weissman, Orvaschel & Padian (1980). Public domain.