SUDs Rating Scale: Measuring Social Anxiety

The SUDs Rating Scale, also known as the Subjective Units of Distress Scale, quantifies the intensity of anxiety or distress in individuals with social anxiety disorder. This self-assessment tool ranges from 0 to 100.

Therapists and healthcare providers commonly employ the SUDs scale to evaluate patient progress and treatment effectiveness. It is utilized throughout therapy to identify areas of distress or disturbance requiring additional attention.

SUDs Rating Process:

In cognitive therapy, the SUDs tool helps gauge distress or emotional state. Here are guidelines for using the scale:

1. Rate the Intensity: Assess the intensity of your anxiety or distress as you experience it in the moment.
2. Body Cues: Consider physical sensations like tightening or tensing of the body.
3. Abbreviated Scale: Use the simplified scale below as a guide:

| Rating | Intensity | | 100 | Unbearably upset, imminent breakdown | | 90 | Extremely anxious, desperate, helpless | | 80 | Worried, panicky, losing focus, anxious in the body | | 70 | Discomfort dominates thoughts, struggling to function | | 60 | Moderate to strong discomfort | | 50 | Upset, uncomfortable, still functional | | 40 | Mild to moderate anxiety, worry | | 30 | Worried, upset, still able to function | | 20 | A little bit sad or distressed | | 10 | No distress, alert, focused | | 0 | Peaceful, complete calm |

Accuracy: Precise measurement is not crucial. The SUDs scale serves as a general guide for your therapist to understand your experience.

Expressing Emotions: For individuals with social anxiety, sharing emotions can be challenging. The SUDs scale provides a straightforward method to communicate the severity of feelings.

Social Anxiety and Emotions: Social anxiety can intensify emotions and fears, making minor incidents feel catastrophic. Sharing your SUDs rating helps therapists understand the impact of social anxiety on you.

SUDs in Therapy:

• Tracking Progress: SUDs helps track improvements or setbacks in therapy.
• Honest Assessment: Provide honest ratings to enable your therapist to assess effective treatment methods.
• Identifying Areas for Work: SUDs can reveal areas of intense distress that need attention.
• Cognitive Skills: Therapy introduces cognitive techniques to address irrational thoughts and develop more rational perspectives.

Honesty in Rating:

• Authenticity: Be genuine in your ratings. Avoid responding based on what you think your therapist wants to hear.
• Communication with Children and Teens: Miscommunication can occur with children and teens. Discuss any concerns with your therapist.

Remember, rating scales like the SUDs are useful when completed honestly. Refrain from trying to impress your therapist. Instead, provide ratings based on your true emotional state, regardless of how you perceive it might be viewed.