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Using a self-report depression scale to identify remission in depressed outpatients
Mark Zimmerman1, Michael A Posternak, Iwona Chelminski
1Bayside Medical Center, 235 Plain St., Providence, RI 02905, USA. mzimmerman@lifespan.org.
The American Journal of Psychiatry
|October 7, 2004
Summary
A new self-report questionnaire, the Clinically Useful Depression Outcome Scale (CUDOS), effectively identifies depression remission. This practical tool aligns with the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, aiding clinical treatment monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
- Medical Informatics
Background:
- Standardized rating scales are recommended for monitoring treatment in clinical practice.
- Time constraints in clinical settings limit the use of lengthy assessment tools.
- Accurate and efficient depression remission assessment is crucial for effective patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To derive a cutoff score for the Clinically Useful Depression Outcome Scale (CUDOS) that corresponds to the definition of remission on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS).
- To evaluate the feasibility of using a self-report questionnaire for assessing depression remission in clinical practice.
Main Methods:
- Two hundred sixty-seven outpatients with depression were assessed.
- Participants completed the Clinically Useful Depression Outcome Scale (CUDOS).
- Receiver operating curve analysis was employed to determine the CUDOS cutoff for HDRS-defined remission.
Main Results:
- A high level of agreement was observed between CUDOS self-report and HDRS assessments of depression remission.
- The derived CUDOS cutoff score accurately identified patients in remission according to the HDRS criteria.
Conclusions:
- Self-report questionnaires, such as the CUDOS, offer a practical and objective method for evaluating treatment progress and remission in depression.
- The CUDOS provides a time-efficient alternative for clinicians to monitor patient outcomes and treatment effectiveness.