[Validation of a DSM-5-based screening test using digital phenotyping in the Russian population]

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry and Mental Health
• Digital Health and Telemedicine
• Epidemiology and Public Health

Background:

• Accurate screening for depression and anxiety is crucial for timely intervention.
• Digital phenotyping offers novel approaches for population-based mental health assessment.
• Validation of new screening tools against established measures is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the validity of a novel depression and anxiety screening test.
• The test is based on DSM-5 diagnostic criteria and uses digital phenotyping.
• Comparison is made against the validated Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS).

Main Methods:

• Cross-validation study with 5,116 participants.
• Electronic screening test based on DSM-5 criteria for major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder.
• Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) used as the gold standard; cutoffs of ≥8 and ≥11 points for HADS-D and HADS-A.

Main Results:

• The screening test demonstrated high accuracy (Ac) and specificity (Sp) for depression and anxiety.
• With a cutoff of ≥11 for HADS-D, Ac was 92% and Sp was 94% for current depression.
• With a cutoff of ≥8 for HADS-A, Ac was 75% and Sp was 96% for current anxiety.

Conclusions:

• The screening test shows high accuracy and specificity, suitable for population-based screening.
• The test can effectively identify potential cases of depression and anxiety.
• Further validation with physician-led diagnostic interviews is recommended.