Sonia: Okay, so what do we do with the questionnaire after I fill it out?

Vivian: Excellent question, Sonia, I was just getting to that. It is simple, really. The responses you give let me, and you, objectively assess your level of depression. I use the results to determine whether your level is increasing or decreasing so that we can work together to prevent any serious problems.

Sonia: I don't know, I think I can tell when I'm depressed and when I'm not. Why do I have to take a test?

Vivian: I am comfortable with your ability to understand what you are feeling, but the BDI helps me understand so that I am able to help you if you need it. Also, the BDI can show an increase or decrease in depression, which helps us understand which way you might be headed. Knowing this, we can stop it before you start to feel seriously bad.