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Reliability and validity of a depression rating scale for schizophrenics
D Addington1, J Addington, E Maticka-Tyndale
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Calgary, Foothills Hospital, Alta., Canada.
Schizophrenia Research
|March 1, 1992
Summary
The Calgary Depression Scale (CDS) reliably assesses depression in schizophrenia patients. This validated scale is suitable for both acute and residual stages of the illness.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
- Psychometric Evaluation
Background:
- Depression assessment in schizophrenia is crucial.
- Existing scales may not be optimal for this population.
- The Calgary Depression Scale (CDS) was developed for this purpose.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test the reliability and validity of the Calgary Depression Scale (CDS).
- To compare the CDS with established depression measures.
- To evaluate the CDS's suitability for schizophrenia patients.
Main Methods:
- The CDS was administered and compared to the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and a Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) depression measure.
- Confirmatory factor analysis was used to assess unidimensionality.
- Internal consistency and correlations with other measures were examined.
Main Results:
- Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the CDS is unidimensional.
- The CDS demonstrated high internal consistency.
- Strong correlations were found between the CDS and HDRS, BDI, and BPRS depression scores.
- All CDS items effectively discriminated between the presence and absence of major depressive episodes.
Conclusions:
- The Calgary Depression Scale (CDS) is a reliable and parsimonious tool.
- It is suitable for assessing depression in schizophrenia across acute and residual phases.
- The CDS is a valid measure for this specific patient group.