Conclusion: A three-axis dashboard for the inner critic

Treating the inner critic as “just depression” is too narrow. Self-criticism is a process that affects symptoms, functioning and well-being in different ways. The evidence suggests a simple but robust measurement strategy:

1. Self-management axis: SMST

2. Symptom axis: PHQ-9 or BDI-IIwith PHQ-2 as gatekeeper

3. Well-being axis: WHO-5

Zung-SDS and CES-D remain acceptable in legacy contexts but bring no special advantages for inner-critic work that are not better covered by the trio above. Used together, these instruments produce a more honest picture: whether the inner critic is still running the show, or whether it has finally been pushed out of the driver’s seat and relegated to a grumpy passenger in the back.