What is the Kutcher Adolescent Depression Scale (KADS)?

The Kutcher Adolescent Depression Scale (KADS) is a 6-item self-report questionnaire designed to screen for depression in adolescents aged 12-18 years.

Who developed the KADS and when?

Developed by Dr. Stan Kutcher and colleagues in 2008 at Dalhousie University, Canada.

What type of assessment is the KADS?

It is a self-report screening questionnaire.

What does the KADS assess?

• Core depressive symptoms in adolescents
• Mood, interest, concentration, and sleep
• Adolescent-specific depression indicators
• Rapid screening for clinical depression

How many items and what format?

6 items, rated 0-3 (0=Hardly ever, 3=All the time).

How is the KADS scored?

Total score 0-18; higher scores indicate more severe depressive symptoms.

Are there versions of the KADS?

6-item version; 11-item version also available.

Who can use the KADS?

Adolescents aged 12-18; used in schools, clinics, and research.

What are the strengths of the KADS?

Brief, easy to administer, good sensitivity and specificity for adolescent depression.

What are the limitations of the KADS?

Not a diagnostic tool; should be followed by clinical evaluation if positive.

How is the KADS used?

Routine screening in schools, primary care, mental health assessment.