Beck Depression Inventory and its modification: comparative analysis of methodological characteristics of the tests

In clinical practice, the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI­I) remains one of the most widely used tools for depression screening. However, its items related to somatic symptoms may contribute to false­positive results, particularly in patients with comorbid conditions. This highlights the growing need for modifications aimed at reducing the influence of external factors and the priming effect on test outcomes. Objective — to conduct a comparative analysis of results obtained from the original and modified versions of the BDI­I, and to assess the impact of test format on total scores and the presence of a priming effect. Materials and methods. The study involved 50 university students divided into two groups. Each group completed both versions of the BDI­I twice, with a one­month interval. The modified version presented items as mutually exclusive questions and used drop-down lists for responses. Results and discussion. Respondents generally scored lower on the modified version compared to the original. A trend was observed toward decreased scores in the group that first completed the original version and an increase in scores in the group that first completed the modified version. No evidence of a priming effect was detected. Respondents reported greater emotional comfort, more ethical phrasing, and an improved understanding of their psychological state following the modified version. Conclusions. Modifying the presentation format of BDI­I items leads to lower total scores and improves the respondent’s experience. This approach may reduce the likelihood of false­positive results and enhance emotional comfort during testing.