The diagnostic efficiency of the Rorschach Depression Index and the Schizophrenia Index: a review

This review focuses on the diagnostic efficiency of the new versions of the Rorschach Comprehensive System Depression Index (DEPI) and the Schizophrenia Index (SCZI). Clinical diagnosis according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders was chosen as the external validation criteria. The sensitivity, specificity, and overall classification rates for the indices were presented from the studies or computed from the data when possible. The positive and negative predictive validity was estimated at three different base rates. As regards the DEPI the results showed a large variation in diagnostic performance as the index seemed to have relatively more success in identifying nonpsychotic and unipolar depression than psychotic and bipolar depression. The DEPI did not successfully identify depression among adolescent patients. As regards the SCZI the results more consistently indicated that the index effectively discriminates between psychotic and nonpsychotic patients and the predictive validity of both a positive and negative SCZI was found to be high.