Brief Description
The Male Depression Risk Assessment (MDRS-22) is self-report measure used to assess externalizing symptoms of depression among male-identified clients. This 22-item measure of depressive symptoms includes subscales focused on emotion suppression, anger/aggression, substance use, and risk-taking. Traditional tools focus on internalizing symptoms (e.g., sadness, withdrawal), but those socialized as men often present depression through externalizing behaviors (e.g., anger, substance use, risk-taking), which can delay recognition and treatment.
Assessment Administration Type
Self-report
Number of questions
22
Age Range for Administration
18+
Recommended Frequency of Administration
Monthly
Summary of Scoring and Interpretations
The MDRS-22 is scored on a 8-point Likert scale from 0 ("Not at all") to 7 ("Almost always"). All items are summed to generate a total score, with higher scores indicating more depressive symptoms. Total scores can range from 0 to 154. There are six subscales focused on six symptoms domains: 1) emotion suppression, 2) drug use, 3) alcohol use, 4) anger & aggression, 5) somatic symptoms, and 6) risk-taking. Subscales are calculated by summing all items included in each respective subscale.
Subscale | Items |
Emotion Suppression | 1, 2, 8, 17 |
Drug Use | 13, 22, 18 |
Alcohol Use | 3, 10, 11, 15 |
Anger & Aggression | 12, 19, 20, 21 |
Somatic Symptoms | 5, 6, 7, 9 |
Risk-Taking | 4, 14, 16 |
Based on the norms of a representative Canadian sample, the scale ranges are categorized by the following descriptors:
Classification | Total Score |
Low | 0-31 |
Elevated | 32-50 |
High | 51-86 |
Extreme | 87-154 |
Blueprint Adjustments
N/A
Clinical Considerations
While this measure is meant for male-identified clients, this assessment can be used with clients who have been socialized as men.
This measure can be useful for identifying clients who might not report typical depression symptoms, like sadness, and instead report more externalizing symptoms.
The MDRS be paired with general depression measures (PHQ-9, BDI-II) for a more complete picture.
Because the MDRS captures externalizing and situational symptoms (e.g., risk-taking, substance use), frequent administration (e.g., weekly) may not be as clinically useful as for symptom-focused scales. Monthly or per treatment phase tends to balance burden with utility.
Citation
Rice, S.M., Fallon, B.J., Aucote, H.M., Möller-Leimkühler, A.M. (2013). Development and preliminary validation of the male depression risk scale: Furthering the assessment of depression in men. Journal of Affective Disorders.151(3). 950-8.
Relevant Articles + Further Resources
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