Which age group is the Beck Depression Inventory II designed for?

The Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II) is specifically designed for individuals aged 13 and older. This makes it suitable for teenagers as well as adults, allowing it to capture a range of depressive symptoms relevant to adolescents who may be experiencing these feelings during a critical developmental stage.

The BDI-II includes 21 items that assess the severity of depression symptoms, which are phrased in a way that is understandable for teenagers. While younger children may experience depression, the BDI-II's language and concepts are not formulated for those under 13, thus making the answer focused on teenagers and older individuals appropriate. The assessment tool effectively allows clinicians to monitor severity, track changes over time, and inform treatment decisions with a population that includes a significant number of young people.