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Quick rating of depressed mood in patients with anxiety disorders.

Authors :
McKenzie N
Marks I
Source :
The British journal of psychiatry : the journal of mental science [Br J Psychiatry] 1999 Mar; Vol. 174, pp. 266-9.
Publication Year :
1999

Abstract

Background: Regular assessment of mood is often important for treatment but traditional measures can be time-consuming. A quick'litmus test' is needed.<br />Aims: To test the reliability and validity of a single-item scale for mood.<br />Method: Mood was measured repeatedly in 812 patients (258 in-patients, 554 out-patient) being treated in an anxiety disorders unit. Patients had self- and clinician ratings of a single-item depression scale and also rated the 21-item Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-21). Their single-item scores were compared with BDI-21 scores and with outcome measures.<br />Results: The single-item depression scores correlated 0.71 to 0.78 with the BDI-21 scores. Clinically useful cut-off points were identified. Depression scores at discharge, but not pre-treatment, correlated significantly with improvement in the main problem.<br />Conclusions: The quick single-item depression scale, whether rated by patient or by clinician, is a reasonable rough guide to mood in anxiety disorders and saves time for the patient and the clinician compared to longer measures.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
0007-1250
Volume :
174
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
The British journal of psychiatry : the journal of mental science
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
10448454
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1192/bjp.174.3.266