The semi-structured interview for bipolar at-risk states (SIBARS): psychometric properties and validation

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Clinical Psychology
• Mental Health Assessment

Background:

• Early detection of bipolar disorder (BD) is crucial for effective intervention.
• Validated psychometric instruments are needed to identify individuals at high risk for BD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the psychometric properties of the Semi-structured Interview for Bipolar At-Risk States (SIBARS).
• To establish SIBARS as a reliable and valid instrument for detecting individuals at clinical high-risk of BD.

Main Methods:

• Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) for dimensionality.
• Assessment of internal and inter-rater reliability.
• Evaluation of convergent, divergent, and concurrent validity using established scales (e.g., HAM-D, YMRS, CAARMS, BPSS-AS-P).

Main Results:

• Excellent data fit in CFA for depression and mania.
• High internal (Cronbach's α = 0.90, McDonald's ω = 0.96) and inter-rater reliability (ICC = 0.97).
• Confirmed convergent, divergent, and concurrent validity with significant associations with relevant scales.

Conclusions:

• SIBARS demonstrates convincing psychometric evidence of reliability and validity.
• SIBARS is a suitable instrument for identifying individuals at clinical high-risk of BD.
• The study's cross-sectional design did not permit assessment of predictive validity.