psychiatry

Major Depression Index (MDI)

10-item self-report depression scale derived from ICD-10 and DSM-IV criteria. Can be used as a severity measure (score 0–50) or for diagnosis of depression. Validated in primary care and general practice.

Have you felt low in spirits or sad?*

Have you lost interest in your daily activities?*

Have you felt lacking in energy and strength?*

Have you felt less self-confident?*

Have you had a bad conscience or feelings of guilt?*

Have you felt that life wasn't worth living?*

Have you had difficulties in concentrating, e.g. when reading the newspaper or watching television?*

Have you felt very restless?*

Have you slept badly?*

Have you had reduced appetite? OR Increased appetite?*

Score interpretation

Not Depressed 0–20

MDI 0–20 — below threshold for depression diagnosis

→ Psychoeducation; monitor; lifestyle interventions; reassess if symptoms persist or worsen

Mild Depression 21–25

MDI 21–25 — mild depression

→ Low-intensity interventions (guided self-help, CBT); consider antidepressant if persistent; active monitoring every 2 weeks

Moderate Depression 26–30

MDI 26–30 — moderate depression

→ Antidepressant therapy (SSRI first-line: sertraline 50 mg OD); psychological therapy (CBT); consider psychiatry input; safety assessment

Severe Depression 31–50

MDI ≥31 — severe depression

→ Urgent psychiatry referral; pharmacotherapy with close monitoring; assess suicide risk (C-SSRS); consider hospitalisation if high risk; combination pharmacotherapy + psychotherapy

Interpretation bands for the MDI. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.

References

Bech P et al. The Major Depression Inventory (MDI) as a level of functioning measure. Int J Psychiatry Clin Pract. 2004;8(3):175–182.

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Calculators

Drugs

Pathways

Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.

Score interpretation

References

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