DES: Scoring Guide · Dissociative Experiences Scale
28-item self-report measure of dissociation. Score 0–100 (mean of items); ≥30 warrants clinical evaluation. Covers amnesia, depersonalization, and absorption. Public domain. Bernstein & Putnam (1986).
DES Score Interpreter
Scores ≥30 were associated with sensitivity of 76% and specificity of 76–85% for dissociative disorders in multicenter research. Further structured clinical assessment is indicated.
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. |
| 20–29 | Above 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. |
| 0–19 | General-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. Educational reference only — not a diagnostic tool.
What is the Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES-II)?
The Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES / DES-II) was developed by Eve Bernstein Carlson and Frank Putnam at the National Institute of Mental Health in 1986, and revised as the DES-II in 1993. It is the most widely used research scale for measuring dissociation, with thousands of citations in the trauma, PTSD, and dissociative disorders literature.
Each of the 28 items asks respondents to indicate how often (0–100%, in 10% increments) certain dissociative experiences occur when not under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The DES score is the mean of all 28 responses, yielding a total score from 0 to 100. Items cover three empirically derived subscales: Amnesic Dissociation, Depersonalization/ Derealization, and Absorption.
A score of ≥30 is the commonly cited clinical threshold, suggesting the need for more full evaluation for a dissociative disorder. Scores below 20 reflect levels typical of the general population. The DES is in the public domain and free for clinical and research use.
Need a shorter version? See the 8-item DES-B.
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.
DES Score Interpretation
Carlson & Putnam (1993). Score = mean of all 28 item responses (0–100%). A score ≥30 is a commonly used clinical screening threshold.
Track Dissociation and Trauma Outcomes in HiBoop
DES alongside PCL-5 and IES-R, automated scoring and longitudinal tracking to monitor dissociation and PTSD symptoms across your patient panel.
Frequently Asked Questions
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 dissociative disorders in multicenter research (Carlson et al., 1993). 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 instrument. 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.
References
- 1.Bernstein EM, Putnam FW. Development, reliability, and validity of a dissociation scale. J Nerv Ment Dis. 1986;174(12):727-735.View source
- 2.Carlson EB, Putnam FW, Ross CA, et al. Validity of the Dissociative Experiences Scale in screening for multiple personality disorder: a multicenter study. Am J Psychiatry. 1993;150(7):1030-1036.View source
- 3.Saggino A, Molinengo G, Rogier G, et al. Improving the psychometric properties of the dissociative experiences scale (DES-II): a Rasch validation study. BMC Psychiatry. 2020;20(1):8.View source
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The DES: Scoring Guide · Dissociative Experiences Scale qualifies for reimbursement under these CPT codes (US).
Last reviewed: Jun 3, 2026
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