A shortened version of the Symptom Scale-90-P (SCL-90-R), it is often used in both clinical and research practice to assess a range of psychiatric symptoms, including depression, anxiety, paranoia, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, and somatia (physical symptoms associated with psychological distress). The BSI consists of a series of questions in which respondents rate the severity of their symptoms over a period of time, usually the last week. The test provides a Global Severity Index (GSI) that summarizes the overall level of psychological stress. BSI is often used to assess treatment progress, identify symptom patterns, and assist in clinical decision-making in therapy and counseling.