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The MADRS-s* is a self-reported depression test that provides an overall view of your depressive symptoms. The total score ranges from 0 to 54 points. Higher scores indicate higher depression symptoms.

It emphasises on both physical aspects of depression and cognitive symptoms: Mood, Feelings of unease, Sleep, Appetite, Ability to concentrate, Initiative, Emotional involvement, Pessimism and Zest for life.

The strength of the MADRS-s is that it successfully measures changes in depression over time. Flow users take this test on a weekly basis to track symptoms evolution during treatment.

This questionnaire is used in clinical settings across Sweden, France, Switzerland and many other countries.

Note: similar to other well-known rating scales, such as the HDI, BDI and PHQ-9, the MADRS-s cannot review all core criteria for depression and therefore does not provide a complete diagnosis.

* self-reported Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale

What does ‘no depression’ mean?

Scores 0-12 indicate that your symptoms may not be a sign of clinical depression. It’s common to experience a few symptoms without having a full diagnosis.

What’s next?

If you want to know more about the depression criteria, read What are the signs of depression?
Or, read about mild depression below.

What is mild depression?

Scores 13-19 indicate mild depression.

The symptoms of mild depression may not be noted by the people around you. You can still keep up with everyday chores, work, self-care and important social relationships but all criteria for depression are met. Read about the criteria for depression in our article: What are the signs of depression?

You may experience a low mood and less energy than usual, which makes daily tasks more challenging. Life does not seem as fun or as meaningful as it used to and you have less interest in activities that you usually enjoy. It’s common to think negative and critical thoughts about yourself and/or others.

Even though this is the mildest form of depression, it’s more than just feeling blue temporarily. The symptoms of mild depression do not disappear after a period of rest as in the case of ordinary fatigue or sadness.


What’s next?

It’s important to treat your symptoms as soon as possible. Mild depression can progress into more severe forms. Even though you may not feel like it, depression is a highly treatable condition. And mild symptoms are the easiest to recover from.

What is moderate depression?

Scores 20-34 indicate moderate depression.

In the case of moderate depression, you experience a significantly lower mood than usual. You have lost interest or pleasure in activities that used to be enjoyable and it’s a challenge to complete work assignments and daily chores. It’s common to experience unusual fatigue which doesn’t disappear even when resting.

Moderate depression can include other physical symptoms, such as:

• sleep disturbance (sleeping too much, having problems falling asleep or early morning awakenings),
• changes in appetite or weight
• and difficulties concentrating.

The symptoms of moderate depression are usually severe enough to cause problems in your social life. It’s common to avoid spending time with friends and family and to experience more conflicts at home than usual.

Another indication of moderate depression is to feel excessively guilty or worthless and to be tormented by critical thoughts about yourself or other people. You may experience intrusive thoughts about death or suicide.


What’s next?

If you recognise this level of depression, seek treatment as soon as possible. Even though you may not feel like it, depression is a highly treatable condition.

Moderate depression can be accompanied by a critical voice in your head saying “it’s hopeless, I will never get better”, “treatment can help others, but not me”, “nobody needs me”, “the world is a better place without me”. That is not true. That’s depression talking. Depression is a temporary disorder with many effective cures.

What is severe depression?

Scores above 34 indicate severe depression.

Severe depression is characterised by extremely low levels of energy, disinterest in most activities throughout the day and a consistently low mood.

This is a level of depression which makes it a challenge to get out of bed in the morning and to perform daily chores. And it probably affects all social relationships. You may withdraw from all or almost all social situations. It’s usually impossible or extremely difficult to manage work and it may even be challenging to leave the house.

Severe depression is often accompanied by noticeable physical symptoms, such as major changes in sleep and eating patterns.

Some people sleep through most of the day and struggle to get out of bed. Others sleep very little and are tormented by early morning awakenings or difficulties falling asleep even when exhausted. You may experience significant weight loss or weight gain.

Severe depression is often associated with a deep experience of worthlessness and/or hopelessness and excessive guilt. It’s common for people with severe depression to have intrusive thoughts of death, suicide and to make suicidal plans.

It’s difficult to maintain self-care when severely depressed. You may stop showering, brushing your teeth or changing your clothes due to the extreme effort. Some people with severe depression can seem physically ill – their posture may change to look slumped and their facial expressions can become dull. Severe depression is usually noticed by other people, especially people who live with you.


What’s next?

If you recognise this level of depression, contact a healthcare professional or a helpline as soon as possible to receive the right treatment.

Even though you may not feel like it, depression is a highly treatable condition. Perhaps you recognise a critical voice in your head saying “it’s hopeless”, “I will never get better”, “treatment can help others, but not me”, “nobody needs me”, “the world is a better place without me”. Know that it is not true. That’s depression talking. Depression is a temporary disorder with many effective cures. And the sooner you get help, the better.