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psychiatry

Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS)

Self-report disability scale across work/school, social and family/home domains (Sheehan 1996). Each domain 0–10 visual analogue. Total 0–30.

Score interpretation

No / mild functional impairment 0–4

→ Continue current management. Reassess if symptoms change.

Mild-to-moderate impairment 5–9

→ Optimise primary treatment. Consider psychological therapy if not already in place. Monitor at follow-up.

Marked impairment 10–20

→ Step up treatment intensity (combined pharmacotherapy + therapy). Workplace adjustments per Equality Act. Reassess at 4–6 weeks.

Extreme impairment 21–30

→ Specialist secondary-care review. Consider crisis input, social-work referral, financial assistance (PIP). Address suicide risk and substance misuse. Hospital admission if functional collapse.

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

References

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

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