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Validation study of a nonspecific psychological distress scale
Carole Poulin1, Odette Lemoine, Léo-Roch Poirier
1Montreal Public Health Department, Agence des réseaux locaux de services de santé et de services sociaux, Montréal, QC, Canada. cpoulin@santepub-mtl.qc.ca
Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology
|October 11, 2005
Summary
The Psychological Distress Manifestations Measure Scale (PDMMS) is not a diagnostic tool but effectively identifies individuals with subclinical symptoms impacting daily life. This scale aids mental health service planning by highlighting needs beyond diagnosed pathology.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry and Mental Health Research
- Epidemiological Survey Methods
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Psychological distress scales are vital for monitoring population mental health and predicting service demands.
- These scales offer cost-effective and easily administered assessments.
- This study aimed to validate the Psychological Distress Manifestations Measure Scale (PDMMS) against a recognized standard.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the clinical validity of the Psychological Distress Manifestations Measure Scale (PDMMS).
- To compare PDMMS results with a standard diagnostic criterion for mental disorders.
- To evaluate the utility of PDMMS in large-scale epidemiological surveys.
Main Methods:
- Data from a 1999 Montreal mental health survey of 4,704 adults were utilized.
- The Composite International Diagnostic Interview Simplified (CIDIS) was used for initial mental disorder screening.
- Face-to-face interviews with 359 respondents validated measures including the PDMMS.
Main Results:
- High psychological distress showed a strong association with mental disorder (OR=5.94).
- A significant proportion of individuals reporting high distress did not have a diagnosed mental health problem.
- PDMMS identified individuals with significant subclinical symptoms affecting social functioning.
Conclusions:
- The PDMMS, similar to other distress scales, is not a diagnostic instrument.
- It serves to explore symptom comorbidity, independent of formal diagnosis.
- PDMMS is valuable for epidemiological surveys, informing mental health service planning for individuals with subclinical distress impacting social functioning.
