The assessment of psychological distress

This paper describes the assessment of psychological distress symptoms in the hospitalized physically ill elderly using a screening instrument known as the Comprehensive Psychopathological Rating Scale (CPRS) (Asberg et al. 1978). The methodological properties of this scale and a subscale known as the Montgomery Asberg Depression Scale (MADRS) (Montgomery-Asberg 1979) are discussed. It is suggested that the introduction of these scales into routine nursing practice would facilitate the identification and collection of psychological distress symptoms in this population and serve as a basis for nursing intervention and evaluation.