Interactive Interpreter

DES: Scoring Guide · Dissociative Experiences Scale

The DES (Dissociative Experiences Scale) is a 28-item self-report questionnaire that measures how often dissociative experiences occur in everyday life. Score 0–100 (mean of items); ≥30 warrants clinical evaluation. Covers amnesia, depersonalization, and absorption. Bernstein & Putnam (1986).

For professional reference, research, and education only. Not for diagnosis or medical advice.

DES Score Interpreter

  • Enter a total score to see its range.

  • 28 items, each rated 0–100% in 10% increments; total score = mean of all items. Higher scores indicate more frequent dissociative experiences.

    DES score (mean of 28 items)Interpretation
    30+Warrants clinical evaluationScores ≥30 were associated with sensitivity of 76% and specificity of 76–85% for dissociative disorders in multicenter research. Further structured clinical assessment is indicated.
    20–29Above general-population levelsScores in the 20–29 range exceed typical levels seen in general-population samples, though they fall below the established screening threshold. Context and clinical judgment determine next steps.
    0–19General-population rangeScores below 20 are consistent with levels of dissociation observed in general-population samples.

    Carlson EB et al. (1993). Am J Psychiatry. 150(7):1030–1036. Screening bands per validated cutoff (Carlson et al., 1993) and general-population reference (Bernstein & Putnam, 1986); the <20 range reflects a commonly used clinical convention.

The DES (Dissociative Experiences Scale) is a 28-item self-report questionnaire that measures how often dissociative experiences occur in everyday life, scored 0 to 100 as the mean of all items [1].

What does the DES measure?

The Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES / DES-II) was developed by Eve Bernstein Carlson and Frank Putnam in 1986 to measure dissociation reliably in both general and clinical populations [1]. It was later revised as the DES-II.

Items cover three empirically derived subscales: Amnesic Dissociation, Depersonalization/ Derealization, and Absorption. The DES is copyrighted by its authors; Carlson and Putnam have given permission for the DES-II to be copied, distributed or reproduced for research and clinical use.

Need a shorter version? See the 8-item DES-B.

How do you give the DES?

The DES is a self-report questionnaire of 28 items, completed independently by the respondent [1]. Each item asks how often (0–100%, in 10% increments on the DES-II) certain dissociative experiences occur when not under the influence of alcohol or drugs. For each item, slide to indicate the percentage of time the experience applies to you when not under the influence of substances.

Educational reference only. Cannot diagnose or replace clinical evaluation.

How do you score and interpret the DES?

The DES score is the mean of all 28 responses, giving a total from 0 to 100 [1].

A score of ≥30 is the commonly cited clinical threshold, suggesting the need for a fuller evaluation for a dissociative disorder [2]. Scores below 20 are a commonly used convention for levels typical of the general population.

Psychometric properties

  • Reliability. In the original development study, the DES showed good test-retest and split-half reliability, and all item-scale correlations were significant [1].
  • Validity. Scores differentiated eight groups, including normal adults, college students, and people with alcoholism, agoraphobia, phobic-anxious disorders, PTSD, schizophrenia, and multiple personality disorder [1].
  • Screening accuracy. In a multicentre study of 1,051 participants, sensitivity was 76% and specificity 76% (85% in a more representative subgroup of 883); the cutoff of 30 produced similar results [2].
  • Item structure. A Rasch analysis of the DES-II in 320 Italian participants found three misfitting items; the remaining 25 items showed high reliability and measurement invariance [3].

Limitations

  • Screening, not diagnosis. In the multicentre study, only 17% of people scoring 30 or higher actually had multiple personality disorder (now dissociative identity disorder), while 99% of those scoring below 30 did not [2]. A high score calls for a structured clinical interview.
  • Self-report. Scores rely on the respondent's insight into experiences that, by their nature, can involve memory gaps.
  • Normal dissociation. Dissociative experiences such as absorption also occur in everyday life, so elevated scores are not specific to a disorder.
  • Factor structure. The DES-II factor structure has been inconsistent across studies [3].

For individuals: This page is a clinical reference, not a diagnostic tool. If you have concerns about your own symptoms, bring this information to a qualified mental health professional.

FAQ

  • How is the DES scored?

    Each of the 28 items is rated on a 0–100% scale (in 10% increments), reflecting how often the described experience occurs when not under the influence of substances. The DES score is the mean of all 28 responses, yielding a total score between 0 and 100.

  • What does a DES score of 30 or higher mean?

    A score of ≥30 is the widely used clinical screening threshold, associated with a sensitivity of 76% and specificity of 76–85% for identifying multiple personality disorder (now dissociative identity disorder) in a 1993 multicentre study. It does not constitute a diagnosis; it indicates that further clinical evaluation is warranted.

  • Is the DES self-report or clinician-administered?

    The DES is a self-report measure. Respondents complete it independently by rating how frequently each experience applies to them. No clinician scoring is required, though interpretation should occur within a broader clinical evaluation.

  • Can the DES diagnose dissociative identity disorder?

    No. The DES is a screening tool, not a diagnostic tool. A high score indicates elevated levels of dissociation and warrants comprehensive clinical assessment, but diagnosis requires a structured clinical interview and evaluation by a qualified clinician.

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