Brief Symptom Inventory
The short form of the SCL-90. It screens nine different symptom dimensions.
In one minute
How it works in 3 steps
- You respond: You mark recent symptoms across different areas.
- A profile emerges: It becomes clear which symptom areas stand out.
- It is interpreted: The result is considered through overall distress and the areas that stand out.
Who it informs
When professional support helps
What does the BSI measure?
The inventory screens nine different symptom dimensions together and produces a general index of distress. This broad view helps to see whether distress is concentrated in a single area or is more widespread.
The areas that stand out point to starting places that can be explored in more depth with more focused scales and an assessment interview.
How is it scored?
Items are rated on a scale; a general index of distress and a subdimension profile are obtained. Scores are classified from normal to severe.
- Items
- 53
- Score range
- 0–212
- Administration
- Self / observer report
What do the score bands mean?
The ranges below are a general frame. No band makes a diagnosis on its own; a result only becomes meaningful when a clinical psychologist interprets it alongside your life story.
| Score | General interpretation |
|---|---|
| 0–63 | Normal |
| 64–130 | Moderate psychopathology |
| 131–212 | High psychopathology |
Limitation: It is a screening tool; although it reflects general distress well, its ability to distinguish between subdimensions is limited. High results should be confirmed through an assessment interview.
Psychometrics and source
Developed by Derogatis (1992); the Turkish validity and reliability study was carried out by Şahin and Durak (1994), and the internal consistency of the subdimensions was found to be adequate.
Original source: Derogatis, L.R. (1993). BSI.
How is this scale used at Mete Psikoloji?
At Mete Psikoloji, it can be used as a broad screen in the initial assessment; the areas that stand out are then addressed in more detail, with results recorded in your client portal for online and in-person clients alike.
Related reading
Did your result give you pause?
A scale is only a starting point. By planning an assessment session with our clinical psychologists, you can consider your result alongside the context of your life.