The DASS-21 (Depression Anxiety Stress Scales, short form) has 21 statements about how you have felt over the past week. It gives you three separate scores, one for depression, one for anxiety and one for stress, so you can see which one is weighing on you most. Please read each statement and choose the answer that shows how much the statement applied to you over the past week. There are no right or wrong answers. Do not spend too much time on any statement.
- One question per screen. Tap an answer to move on (or use the number keys on a keyboard).
- Your score, what it means, and the next step, straight away.
- Your answers stay on your device. Nothing is saved or sent.
This is a screening tool, not a diagnosis. If you are in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, call your local emergency number now. Helplines are listed below the test.
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How this test is scored
Each statement is scored 0 (Did not apply to me at all) to 3 (Applied to me very much, or most of the time). The 21 statements form three scales of 7: depression (statements 3, 5, 10, 13, 16, 17, 21), anxiety (2, 4, 7, 9, 15, 19, 20) and stress (1, 6, 8, 11, 12, 14, 18). Each scale is added up and multiplied by 2, as the DASS authors instruct for the short form, giving 0 to 42. Severity labels from the DASS manual: depression 0 to 9 normal, 10 to 13 mild, 14 to 20 moderate, 21 to 27 severe, 28 or more extremely severe; anxiety 0 to 7 normal, 8 to 9 mild, 10 to 14 moderate, 15 to 19 severe, 20 or more extremely severe; stress 0 to 14 normal, 15 to 18 mild, 19 to 25 moderate, 26 to 33 severe, 34 or more extremely severe. A depression score of 28 or more also shows urgent help information.
About the DASS-21
The Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS) were developed by Peter and Sydney Lovibond at the University of New South Wales. The DASS-21 is the short version: 21 statements, 7 for each of three scales. The depression scale looks at low mood, hopelessness, loss of interest and feeling worthless. The anxiety scale looks at body signs of fear (a dry mouth, breathing difficulty, trembling, a racing heart) and feeling close to panic. The stress scale looks at tension, irritability and difficulty relaxing. In a study of 1,794 adults from the general population, the three scales held together well and each measured something distinct (Henry & Crawford, 2005).
How to read your result
You get three separate scores, one each for depression, anxiety and stress. A high score on one scale and a normal score on another is common. The scores describe the past week only, not who you are. A higher score is a reason to get a proper assessment, and a lower score does not mean your struggles are not real.
This is a screening tool, not a diagnosis. A diagnosis needs a full assessment by a qualified professional.
When to talk to a professional
Speak to a psychologist, psychiatrist or doctor if any of your scores are in the moderate range or above, if these feelings have lasted more than a couple of weeks, or if they are getting in the way of your work, studies, family life or sleep. If you have thoughts of harming yourself or feel unsafe, use the helplines below now. You may also find these useful: burnout vs depression and how to stop overthinking.
Frequently asked questions
Is the DASS-21 a diagnosis?
No. The DASS-21 measures how strongly you have felt depression, anxiety and stress symptoms over the past week. Its own authors describe it as a dimensional measure, not a diagnostic test. Only a qualified professional who assesses you properly can diagnose a mental health condition.
Why are my scores doubled?
The DASS-21 is the short form of the 42-item DASS. The authors ask users to multiply each 7-question scale score by 2, so it can be compared with the full DASS norms and severity labels.
What does “mild” or “moderate” mean here?
The DASS authors say their severity labels describe where a score sits in the general population. “Mild” means above the population average but still well below the level typical of people who seek help. It does not mean a mild disorder.
Can I take it again?
Yes. The DASS-21 asks about the past week, so many people retake it every few weeks to see whether things are changing.
Are my answers saved?
No. Your answers are scored inside your own browser and disappear when you leave or refresh the page. Nothing is stored on this website and nothing is sent anywhere.
Source
Lovibond SH, Lovibond PF. Manual for the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales. 2nd ed. Sydney: Psychology Foundation; 1995. Items and answer options reproduced unmodified from the DASS21 form published by the University of New South Wales (https://www2.psy.unsw.edu.au/dass/). The DASS questionnaire is in the public domain; the scales may not be modified or sold for profit. Scale scores are multiplied by 2 and the severity labels are those of the DASS manual.
- Pakistan: Umang mental health helpline 0311 7786264 (emergency: police 15, Rescue 1122)
- Saudi Arabia: emergency 911; counselling line 920033360 (8am–8pm, Saturday 1pm–8pm; not 24 hours)
- India: Tele-MANAS 14416 or 1-800-891-4416 (emergency 112)
- Bangladesh: Kaan Pete Roi +880 9612-119911 (3pm to 3am daily)
- United States: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, call or text 988 (24/7)
- Canada: 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline, call or text 988 (24/7)
- UK and Ireland: Samaritans 116 123 (free, 24/7)
- European Union: emergency number 112
- Anywhere else: call your local emergency number, or find a free helpline at findahelpline.com.