Health-related self-report (HRSR) scale: the diagnostic screening test for depression in Thai population

In this study we introduced a health-related self-report (HRSR) diagnostic scale for detecting depression in Thai population. The scale composed of 20 symptom items including two objective signs (people said I look worried or sad) and previous suicidal attempt both of which were helpful in detecting and confirming depression and suicidal risk. There were 3 positive items (feel well, life is pleasant and meaningful and feel self-worth) which clearly distinguished normal subjects and depressed patients. The reliability coefficient (Chronbach's alpha) of the HRSR scale was 0.91 and was found to possess a clear factorial structure and clinical validity. The cut-off score at 30 gave 90.2 per cent specificity and 85.3 per cent sensitivity for major depression. Score > or = 25 provided higher specify (93.4%) but lower sensitivity (75.1%) and could detect probable cases of depression or other mental illnesses in the community. Thus it can be used as a diagnostic screening instrument.