Children's Depression Inventory

Raw score ≥20 (CDI/CDI-2) indicates significant depression warranting clinical follow-up. Scores 10–19 suggest mild symptoms; <10 indicate minimal symptoms. However, cutoff sensitivity/specificity varies by setting (clinical vs. school). In high-prevalence settings (e.g., inpatient psychiatry), use ≥15 to minimize false negatives. Always confirm with clinical interview.

No—the standard CDI and CDI-2 are child self-report only. Parent-rated and teacher-rated versions exist (e.g., parent-report depression scales such as CBCL), but they measure different constructs (parent's perception of child's behavior, not child's internal mood). If child cannot self-report (severe developmental delay, mutism), a clinician-administered semi-structured interview (e.g., K-SADS) is preferable.

In clinical practice, readminister every 4–8 weeks during active treatment (psychotherapy or medication). In research, protocols typically specify intervals (e.g., weekly, biweekly). Use change in raw score ≥5–7 points as clinically meaningful improvement. Effect size d >0.5 indicates treatment-related change (not measurement error).

CDI is valid for average-to-above-average IQ adolescents. For children with intellectual disability (IQ <70), adapted depression interviews (e.g., PAS-ADD, Mood, Interest and Pleasure Subscale) are preferable. For autism spectrum disorder, CDI is valid; however, literal interpretation of items and alexithymia (difficulty labeling emotions) may reduce accuracy. Clinician interview remains essential.