DASS

What is DASS?

The Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS) measure self-reported symptoms of depression, anxiety, and tension or stress. The full questionnaire has 42 items, with 14 per scale. DASS-21 is the shorter, 21-item form.

What does DASS measure?

People rate their experience over the past week using four response options. The stress scale concerns tension and difficulty relaxing, not the number of stressful events in someone's life. The scores describe symptom severity rather than three diagnoses.

How is DASS used?

The developers’ overview describes research and clinical uses, including tracking symptoms over time. A before-and-after change can be useful, but it cannot by itself show that a program caused the improvement. Clinical decisions require a broader assessment.

Shortcomings and interpretation

Self-report depends on what people disclose. The official FAQ notes that respondents can minimize or exaggerate symptoms. A translation's availability also does not guarantee its quality.

A score alone cannot tell you whether someone has a disorder, what caused their symptoms, or which treatment they need. DASS has no items on suicidal tendencies and is not a complete risk assessment. Its usefulness depends on appropriate interpretation and context.