Toward a very brief self-report to assess the core symptoms of depression (VQIDS-SR₅ )

To develop a short, 5-item measure of the core symptoms of depression based on the 16-item Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology - Self-Report (QIDS-SR₁₆ ) and to evaluate psychometric properties of this new measure (Very Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology - Self-Report: VQIDS-SR₅ ).

Using data from a convenience sample of the Combining Medications to Enhance Depression Outcomes (CO-MED) trial, we evaluated the psychometric properties of the VQIDS-SR₅ , its sensitivity to change, and its comparability to the QIDS-SR₁₆ and clinician-rated scales (QIDS-C₁₆ and VQIDS-C₅ ).

The VQIDS-SR₅ has a single-factor structure with an acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha: 0.67-0.81). The VQIDS-SR₅ was as sensitive to change as its parent scale, then QIDS-SR₁₆ and, detected change at an earlier time frame. Additionally, the VQIDS-SR₅ was comparable to the QIDS-SR₁₆ , QIDS-C₁₆ , and VQIDS-C₅ .

The VQIDS-SR₅ can effectively evaluate the core symptoms of depression during the course of treatment.