Depression Anxiety Stress Scales - 21 item
DASS-21 is a 21-item self-report of depression, anxiety, and stress. This page is for clinics. It is not a diagnosis and not a public test.
Overview
What is the DASS-21?
The Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21 is the short form of the DASS. It yields three related scales rather than a single mixed distress total. It is used for monitoring and research as well as intake, but it is not a diagnostic interview.
Development and clinical use
Lovibond and Lovibond developed DASS at UNSW. DASS-21 uses a subset of the 42-item instrument with doubled scale scores in many published keys. The two lengths are not interchangeable without naming the form.
- Items
- 21 self-report
- Scales
- Depression, anxiety, stress
- Longer relative
- DASS-42
- Reference period
- Past week
- Clinical role
- Outcome monitoring
- Diagnosis
- Not established by score
Administration
A focused client experience
Respondents rate how much statements applied over the past week. Results should be reviewed as three scales plus item context, not collapsed into a vague 'mental health score'.
- One question at a time with visible progress
- Large keyboard-operable response choices
- Previous, next, and answer-review steps
- Clear confirmation that results go to the clinic
The illustration does not reproduce DASS items.
Report showcase
Designed to make evidence easy to review
The downloadable synthetic example illustrates report layout using invented response patterns, without patient data or instrument questions.
- Named instrument, version, and provenance
- Item-level response pattern without source wording
- Methodology, references, and clinical boundary
- Responsible clinician review rather than automated conclusions
Clinician review required
Methodology
Understand the measure and its scoring conventions
Official DASS materials describe scoring for 21- and 42-item forms. This page does not independently verify cutoffs. Use the authorised form and key.
References
- Official DASS materialsPsychology Foundation of Australia. Depression Anxiety Stress Scales.
Questions
What clinics ask before they evaluate the DASS-21
These answers stay inside educational catalogue scope. They do not replace official manuals or clinician judgement.
Is DASS-21 the same as PHQ-9 plus GAD-7?
No. It is a different instrument with three DASS scales. Do not convert totals as if they were the same tests.
DASS-21 or DASS-42?
They are related but not interchangeable. Name the form you use and keep it with the result.
Can I complete DASS-21 here?
No. This landing does not collect answers.
Does a high stress scale mean a stress diagnosis?
No. Scale labels are measurement names. Interpretation remains clinical.