The Behavioral Activation for Depression Scale

The Behavioral Activation for Depression Scale (BADS) is a tool used by mental health professionals to measure how much a person engages in meaningful, goal-directed activities. It helps assess changes in behavior that can influence depression symptoms. By tracking these behaviors, clinicians can understand whether someone is increasing positive activities or withdrawing, and tailor treatment accordingly. Essentially, it provides insight into how active and involved a person is in their daily life, which is important because increased activity often supports recovery from depression.