Quantifying depressive symptomatology: inter-rater reliability and inter-item correlations

Effect of MDMA-assisted therapy on mood and anxiety symptoms in advanced-stage cancer (EMMAC): study protocol for a double-blind, randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Symptoms of anxiety and depression are common in patients with terminal illness and multiple challenges exist with timely and effective care in this population. Several centres have reported that one dose of the serotonergic psychedelic psilocybin, combined with therapeutic support, improves these symptoms for up to 6 months in this patient group. Drawing upon related therapeutic mechanisms, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)-assisted therapy may have the potential to achieve similar, positive mental health outcomes in this group. Preliminary evidence also supports the tolerability of MDMA-assisted therapy for anxiety and depression in advanced-stage cancer.

METHODS

Up to 32 participants with advanced-stage cancer and associated depression and anxiety will be randomised in a 1:1 ratio into one of two blinded parallel treatment arms. The intervention group will receive 120 mg (+ 60 mg optional supplemental dose) MDMA-assisted therapy. The psychoactive control group will receive 20 mg oral (+ 10 mg optional supplemental dose) methylphenidate-assisted therapy. For each medication-assisted therapy session, participants will undergo two 90-min therapeutic support sessions in the week preceding, and one 90-min support session the day after the experimental session. A battery of measures (mood, anxiety, quality of life, mystical experience, spiritual wellbeing, attitudes towards death, personality traits, holistic health and wellbeing, connectedness, demoralisation, expectations, qualitative data and safety measures) will be assessed at baseline and through to the end of the protocol. Participants will be followed up until either 12 months post-randomisation or death, whichever occurs first.

DISCUSSION

This study will examine the effect of MDMA-assisted therapy on symptoms of anxiety and depression in advanced-stage cancer. Potential therapeutic implications include establishing the safety and effectiveness of a novel treatment that may relieve mental suffering in patients with life-threatening illness.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Trial registered on Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry.

REGISTRATION NUMBER

ACTRN12619001334190p. Date registered: 30/09/2019. URL: https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=378153&showOriginal=true&isReview=true.

The moderating effect of cognitive function on the association between social support and depressive symptoms among community-dwelling older adults: Cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses

BACKGROUND

The moderating effect of cognitive function on the association between social support and late-life depressive symptoms has not been thoroughly investigated. Identifying cognitive function as a possible moderator of this association might help plan community-based interventions for late-life depressive symptoms.

METHODS

Participants were community-dwelling older adults who visited a community-based mental health center. The ENRICHD Social Support Instrument and the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale were used to evaluate social support and depressive symptoms, respectively. Cognitive function was assessed using the Korean version of the Mini-Mental State Examination. Data from 1088 and 506 participants were included in the cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses, respectively. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to assess the effects of social support on depressive symptoms and the possible moderating effect of cognition.

RESULTS

After adjusting for possible confounders, greater social support at baseline was associated with fewer depressive symptoms in both cross-sectional (estimate = -0.25 standard error [SE] = 0.03, P < 0.001) and longitudinal analyses (estimate = -0.11, SE = 0.05, P = 0.014). Moreover, the association between social support and depressive symptoms was significantly moderated by cognitive function (P for interaction < 0.001 for cross-sectional analysis, and P for interaction = 0.011 for longitudinal analysis).

LIMITATIONS

The tool for assessing social support was self-reported. There may have been a selection bias in the study sample.

CONCLUSIONS

Greater social support was associated with fewer late-life depressive symptoms in both analyses. However, social support may have less benefits for alleviating depressive symptoms in older adults with cognitive decline.

The Hamilton Rating Scales for Depression: A Critical Review of Clinimetric Properties of Different Versions

The format of the original Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D) was unstructured: only general instructions were provided for rating individual items. Over the years, a number of modified versions of the HAM-D have been proposed. They differ not only in the number of items, but also in modalities of administration. Structured versions, including item definitions, anchor points and semi-structured or structured interview questions, were developed. This comprehensive review was conducted to examine the clinimetric properties of the different versions of the HAM-D. The aim was to identify the HAM-D versions that best display the clinimetric properties of reliability, validity, and sensitivity to change. The search was conducted on MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed, and yielded a total of 35,473 citations, but only the most representative studies were included. The structured versions of the HAM-D were found to display the highest inter-rater and test-retest reliability. The Clinical Interview for Depression and the 6-item HAM-D showed the highest sensitivity in differentiating active treatment from placebo. The findings indicate that the HAM-D is a valid and sensitive clinimetric index, which should not be discarded in view of obsolete and not clinically relevant psychometric criteria. The HAM-D, however, requires an informed use: unstructured forms should be avoided and the type of HAM-D version that is selected should be specified in the registration of the study protocol and in the methods of the trial.

Predictors of response to CBT and IPT for depression; the contribution of therapy process

Little is known about the factors that contribute to a positive psychotherapy outcome. There is still considerable debate as to whether specific factors (e.g. severity of symptoms, comorbidity) or nonspecific factors (e.g. alliance, therapy process) are most important in influencing outcome. This study examined the additional contribution that therapeutic process and alliance made to previously identified specific predictors of response to CBT and IPT for depression over the course of therapy. The previously identified specific factors were belief that childhood reasons caused the depression, recurrent depression, perceptions about how logical therapy was and comorbid personality disorder symptoms. One hundred and sixty five adult outpatients with major depression were treated for depression in a randomised clinical trial examining predictors of response to Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Interpersonal Psychotherapy. All therapy sessions were audiorecorded to enable objective ratings of therapeutic process and alliance. Process factors - patient psychic distress, patient participation and patient alliance had the strongest associations with outcome. The early and middle stage of therapy process did not account for any additional variance other than that previously identified by the patient predictors, however, at the end stage of therapy process contributed a further 14%.

A preliminary RCT of CBT-AD for adherence and depression among HIV-positive Latinos on the U.S.-Mexico border: the Nuevo Día study

We conducted a preliminary RCT among 40 HIV-positive Latinos of Mexican descent on the U.S.-Mexico border who indicated imperfect adherence and depressive symptomatology. Participants were randomly assigned to culturally adapted cognitive-behavioral therapy for adherence and depression with an alarmed pillbox or usual care. Outcomes were depressive symptoms (self-report and blind clinician ratings), adherence (self-report and electronic pillbox), and biological markers. The intervention, delivered in English and Spanish, proved feasible and acceptable. Generalized estimating equations in intent-to-treat analyses showed some effects of "moderate" to "large" size, with maintenance over time. For example, intervention (vs. control) participants demonstrated at post-intervention a greater drop in BDI scores (OR = -3.64, p = 0.05) and greater adherence according to the electronic pillbox (OR = 3.78, p = 0.03). Biological markers indicated some relative improvement for CD4 count but not VL. The promising results suggest a larger trial to determine efficacy is warranted.

Clinical differences between immigrants voluntarily and involuntarily admitted to acute psychiatric units: a 3-year prospective study

Involuntary psychiatric admissions are widespread among patients with an immigrant background. According to a study in Norway, involuntary admissions are about 75% of admissions among immigrants compared to roughly 50% among ethnic Norwegians. The aim of the present study was to compare clinical and demographic characteristics of immigrant patients with involuntary or voluntary admissions to two acute psychiatric units. A 3-year prospective study of 94 immigrant patients involuntarily and voluntarily admitted to acute psychiatric units was carried out. Sixty-two patients (66.0%) were voluntarily and 30 (31.9%) involuntarily admitted. Involuntary admissions were significantly higher among men (22, 73.3%) compared to women (8, 26.7%; χ(2) = 4.507, d.f. = 1, P= 0.03). The mean length of stay for voluntary and involuntary patients were 7.8 (SD = 6.6) and 21.6 (SD = 27.3; t=-2.7, d.f. = 88, P= 0.01). Patients diagnosed with schizophrenia and psychotic disorder were more often admitted involuntarily (63.0%; χ(2) = 17.83, P= 0.001). This study confirms that immigrant patients diagnosed with psychotic disorders are more often involuntarily than voluntarily admitted. Comparing the clinical and demographic characteristics of immigrants helps identify the reasons behind involuntary admissions and might improve efforts towards reducing such admissions in the future.

Psychological impact on women after second and third trimester termination of pregnancy due to fetal anomalies versus women after preterm birth--a 14-month follow up study

The objective of this study was to compare psychiatric morbidity and the course of posttraumatic stress, depression, and anxiety in two groups with severe complications during pregnancy, women after termination of late pregnancy (TOP) due to fetal anomalies and women after preterm birth (PRE). As control group women after the delivery of a healthy child were assessed. A consecutive sample of women who experienced a) termination of late pregnancy in the 2nd or 3rd-trimester (N = 62), or b) preterm birth (N = 43), or c) birth of a healthy child (N = 65) was investigated 14 days (T1), 6 months (T2), and 14 months (T3) after the event. At T1, 22.4% of the women after TOP were diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder compared to 18.5% women after PRE, and 6.2% in the control group. The corresponding values at T3 were 16.7%, 7.1%, and 0%. Shortly after the event, a broad spectrum of diagnoses was found; however, 14 months later only affective and anxiety disorders were diagnosed. Posttraumatic stress and clinician-rated depressive symptoms were highest in women after TOP. The short-term emotional reactions to TOP in late pregnancy due to fetal anomaly appear to be more intense than those to preterm birth. Both events can lead to severe psychiatric morbidity with a lasting psychological impact.

A Danish cost-effectiveness model of escitalopram in comparison with citalopram and venlafaxine as first-line treatments for major depressive disorder in primary care

The objective of this study was to model the cost-effectiveness of escitalopram in comparison with generic citalopram and venlafaxine in primary care treatment of major depressive disorder (baseline scores 22-40 on the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale, MADRS) in Denmark. A three-path decision analytic model with a 6-month horizon was used. All patients started at the primary care path and were referred to outpatient or inpatient secondary care in the case of insufficient response to treatment. Model inputs included drug-specific probabilities derived from systematic literature review, ad-hoc survey and expert opinion. Main outcome measures were remission defined as MADRS < or = 12 and treatment costs. Analyses were conducted from healthcare system and societal perspectives. The human capital approach was used to estimate societal cost of lost productivity. Costs were reported in 2004 DDK. The expected overall 6-month remission rate was higher for escitalopram (64.1%) than citalopram (58.9%). From both perspectives, the total expected cost per successfully treated patient was lower for escitalopram (DKK 22,323 healthcare, DKK 72,399 societal) than for citalopram (DKK 25,778 healthcare, DKK 87,786 societal). Remission rates and costs were similar for escitalopram and venlafaxine. Robustness of the findings was verified in multivariate sensitivity analyses. For patients in primary care, escitalopram appears to be a cost-effective alternative to (generic) citalopram, with greater clinical benefit and cost-savings, and similar in cost-effectiveness to venlafaxine.

Development and reliability of the HAM-D/MADRS interview: an integrated depression symptom rating scale

The Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D) and the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), two widely used depression scales, each have unique advantages and limitations for research. The HAM-D's limited sensitivity and multidimensionality have been criticized, despite the scale's popularity. The MADRS, designed to be sensitive to treatment changes, is briefer and more uniform. A limitation of the MADRS is the lack of a structured interview, which may affect reliability. The HAM-D and the MADRS are often used conjointly as endpoints in depression trials. We designed a hybrid questionnaire that allows administration of MADRS and 31 HAM-D items simultaneously. Seventy mood disorder patients (60 bipolar I, 10 major depressive disorder) were administered the HAM-D/MADRS Interview (HMI) as part of a larger study. Interrater reliability for 50 patients was excellent for the HAM-D and the MADRS (ICC=0.97-0.98). MADRS item reliabilities (ICC=0.86-0.97) were higher than obtained in studies that did not use a structured interview. Reliability coefficients for seven HAM-D(31) 'atypical' symptoms ranged from 0.77 to 0.95. HMI was highly correlated with the Global Clinical Impressions Scale. This is the first study we know of to investigate the reliability of a structured interview of either the MADRS or of the HAM-D(31). The HMI provides an easily administered, reliable method of rating depression severity which may improve consistency and validity of study findings.

Standardized clinical outcome rating scale for depression for use in clinical practice

The integration of research into clinical practice to conduct effectiveness studies faces multiple obstacles. One obstacle is the burden of completing research measures of outcome. A simple, reliable, and valid measure that could be rated at every visit, incorporated into a clinician's progress note, and reflect the DSM-IV definition of a major depressive episode (including partial and full remission from the episode) would enhance the ability to conduct effectiveness research. The goal of the present study was to examine the reliability and validity of such a measure. Three hundred and three psychiatric outpatients who were being treated for a DSM-IV major depressive episode were rated on the Standardized Clinical Outcome Rating for Depression (SCOR-D), 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale, and the Global Assessment of Functioning. We examined the correlation between the SCOR-D and the other measures, and conducted an analyses of variance to compare mean values on these measures for each rating point on the SCOR-D. The inter-rater reliability of the SCOR-D dimensional ratings and categorical determination of remission were high. The SCOR-D was highly correlated with the other scales, and there were significant differences on the other measures of depression severity between each adjacent rating level of the SCOR-D. The SCOR-D is a brief standardized outcome measure linked to the DSM-IV approach toward defining remission that can be incorporated into routine clinical practice without adding undue burden to the treating clinician with some evidence of reliability and validity. This measure could make it more feasible to conduct effectiveness studies in clinical practice.

Prevalence of major and minor depression in elderly persons with mild cognitive impairment--MADRS factor analysis

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to detect the prevalence of depressive syndromes and symptoms in the sample of elderly persons with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), and to analyse Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating (MADRS) item scores.

METHOD

The subjects of the study were 102 consecutive out-patients with MCI. All subjects were assessed by an experienced psychiatrist and MADRS was applied. Major and minor depressive episodes were defined according to DSM-IV criteria. Factor analysis was used to analyse baseline MADRS item scores.

RESULTS

Three patient groups emerged according to the depressive symptoms distribution and severity scores basis: those with major depression constituted 19.6% (n = 20), with minor depression 26.5% (n = 27), and with very few depressive symptoms 53.9% (n = 55). Three interpretable MADRS factors were identified, using the factor analysis with Varimax rotation: the first consisting of apparent and reported sadness, inability to feel, pessimistic thoughts, the second consisting of inner tension, reduced sleep, reduced appetite, suicidal thoughts, and the third with concentration difficulties and lassitude.

CONCLUSIONS

It was concluded that both major and minor depression is common in MCI. Three MADRS factors were identified and labelled as anhedonia-pessimism, anxiety-vegetative, and cognitive-inhibition.

Standardized rater training for the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-17) in psychiatric novices

BACKGROUND

Despite the long and widespread use of the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD), standardized reliability studies in inexperienced raters are not available.

METHODS

Rater training was carried using three videotaped interviews with depressed patients in 21 psychiatric novices who had negligible previous experience with the HAMD. Chance-corrected coefficients of rating agreement with expert standards (weighted kappa, ICC) were computed for single items and the total score of the HAMD.

RESULTS

The results demonstrate sufficiently high interrater reliability (kappa>0.60) for most of the HAMD items and the total score (ICC=0.57-0.73). Three standardized HAMD training sessions seem adequate to establish satisfactory agreement among psychiatric novices.

LIMITATIONS

The sample of video-taped interviews and, hence, the generalizability of the results, was restricted.

CONCLUSIONS

High inter-rater reliability of the HAMD justifies the use by clinically inexperienced researchers after standardized training.

Relationship between body-mass index and depressive symptoms in patients with major depression

BACKGROUND

Appetite and weight changes are commonly occurring symptoms of depressive illness. The occurrence of these symptoms may not only be related to depressive mood but may also be related to body weight.

AIM

To examine the relationship between symptoms of depression and body weight.

METHODS

Symptoms of depression were assessed by the Montgomery-Asberg depression rating scale (MADRS) in 1694 patients seeking medical help and fulfilling DSM-IV criteria for a major depressive episode. The level of anxiety was evaluated by Covi's anxiety scale. Body weight was expressed as body-mass index (BMI, kg/m(2)) and treated both categorically and continuously.

RESULTS

The total MADRS score was not statistically different across the four BMI categories (underweight: 32.3 +/- 0.6, normal weight: 30.9 +/- 0.2, grade 1: 30.6 +/- 0.3, and 2 overweight: 30.6 +/- 0.6, P = 0.053 (NS)). In women with BMI <or= 18.5 kg/m(2) MADRS was significantly higher than that in other BMI categories (underweight: 32.4 +/- 0.6, normal weight: 30.6 +/- 0.2, grade 1: 30.6 +/- 0.4, and 2 overweight: 30.6 +/- 0.6: P = 0.036). Increasing BMI was related to a linear decrease in symptoms "Reduced appetite" (P < 0.0001) and "Pessimistic thoughts" (P < 0.003). The presence of melancholic or atypical features was not associated with lower or higher BMI, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with major depression higher body weight is likely to be associated with less reduction in appetite and less pessimistic thoughts.

The Bech-Rafaelsen Melancholia Scale (MES) in clinical trials of therapies in depressive disorders: a 20-year review of its use as outcome measure

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the psychometric properties of the Bech-Rafaelsen Melancholia Scale (MES) by reviewing clinical trials in which it has been used as outcome measure.

METHOD

The psychometric analysis included internal validity (total scores being a sufficient statistic), interobserver reliability, and external validity (responsiveness in short-term trials and relapse prevention in long-term trials).

RESULTS

The results showed that the MES is a unidimensional scale, indicating that the total score is a sufficient statistic. The interobserver reliability of the MES has been found adequate both in unipolar and bipolar depression. External validity including both relapse, response and recurrence indicated that the MES has a high responsiveness and sensitivity.

CONCLUSION

The MES has been found a valid and reliable scale for the measurement of changes in depressive states during short-term as well as long-term treatment.

Moderate and severe depression. Gradations for the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale

BACKGROUND

Despite its importance, no distinction between moderate and severe depression using the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) based on a direct comparison with the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-17) is available.

METHODS

HAMD-17 and MADRS ratings from N=40 at least moderately depressed inpatients with major depression (DSM-III-R) were analyzed. Linear and non-parametric correlations were computed and a MADRS cut-off score for severe depression using an HAMD-17 score of at least 28 points as reference was estimated.

RESULTS

HAMD-17 and MADRS mean scores were 24.6+/-4.3 and 32.6+/-5.0 points, respectively. Linear correlation of both scores was r=0.70 (P<0.0005). A MADRS cut-off score of at least 35 points was estimated to separate 'moderate' from 'severe' depression corresponding to a HAMD-17 cut-off of 28 points with sufficient sensitivity and specificity.

LIMITATIONS

The sample size was limited and no observer ratings directly assessing the severity of depression were used.

CONCLUSIONS

The preliminary findings are in line with previous findings and suggest a cut-off score of 35 points to separate moderate from severe depression with the MADRS accepting an HAMD-17 score of >/=28 point as reference. Further studies on this issue are warranted.

Attribute-treatment interaction research using nonexperimental data and the allocation average

Attribute-treatment interaction (ATI) research attempts to answer the question, "Which treatment is best for whom?" Recent critical reviewers of ATI methodology have cited numerous pragmatic and methodological shortcomings of traditional experimental designs and argued that successful ATI research will require an alternative approach. This manuscript describes a purely correlational ATI method that addresses the more serious criticisms of experimental ATI research. This paper also presents use of the allocation average for ATI research that is either experimental or correlational in nature. The allocation average estimates the clinical utility of differential treatment assignment based on ATI data in terms of improved treatment outcomes. The proposed method is illustrated with hypothetical psychotherapy data and data from a recent educational study.

On the validity of the Bech-Rafaelsen Melancholia Scale (BRMS)

BACKGROUND

The findings published to date on convergent validity of the BRMS are mainly concerned with the correlation with other observer-rating scales for depression. In many studies on the evaluation of therapeutic interventions self-rating scales are used in connection with observer-rating scales. Therefore, findings on the relations among instruments of both groups are necessary in order to justify the combination of a particular observer-rating scale with a particular self-rating scale. In the ICD-10 three different degrees of severity of depressive episodes are distinguished. No data on the discriminant validity of the BRMS with respect to this new diagnostic classification are available till now.

METHODS

45 depressed inpatients were assessed with two observer-rating scales (BRMS and DEPRES of the AMDP system) and two self-rating scales (BDI and DS).

RESULTS

The discriminant validity with reference to the three degrees of severity of depressive episodes as defined in ICD-10 is at r = 0.80 very high. The convergent validity of the BRMS is high at r = 0.70, related to the DEPRES. The correlations between the BRMS and the BDI as well as the DS were clearly lower, at 0.53 and 0.32 each.

CONCLUSIONS

The only moderate convergent validity between self-rating and observer-rating scales is a strong argument for a multi-methodological approach in the context of therapy evaluation.

A comparison of the 'Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression' and the 'Montgomery-Asberg Depression rating Scale'

Although the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD) is the most frequently used rating scale for quantifying depressive states, it has been criticized for its reliability and its usability in clinical practice. This criticism is less applying to the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS). Goal of the present study is to investigate the reliability and validity, and clinical relationship between the HRSD and the MADRS. For 60 out-patients with diagnosed depression (DSM IV296.2x, 296.3x, 300.40 and 311.00), the HRSD and MADRS were scored at baseline and 6 weeks later by an independent rater according to a structured interview. Also the Clinical Global Impression (CGI) was assessed by a psychiatrist. Satisfying agreement was found between the totalscores (r= .75, p>.000 en r=.92, p>.000 respectively, at baseline and 6 weeks later). Furthermore agreement was found between the items of both scales, and these agree with the clinical impression. The reliability of the MADRS is more stable than the reliability of the HRSD (α = .6367 and α =.8900 vs α = .2193 and α = .8362 at baseline and at endpoint respectively). Considering the ease of scoring both scales in one interview and the widely international use of the HRSD, scoring both the HRSD and the MADRS to measure the severity of a depression seems to be an acceptabel covenant.

Frequency and clinical determinants of poststroke depression

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Previous studies have shown a large variation concerning the frequency of poststroke depression. This variation is caused by differences in patient populations, psychiatric assessment methods, and diagnostic criteria. In this study, we evaluated the frequency and clinical correlates of poststroke depression in a large well-defined stroke cohort.

METHODS

We studied a consecutive series of 486 patients with ischemic stroke aged from 55 to 85 years. Of these, 277 patients underwent a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, including the Present State Examination, from 3 to 4 months after ischemic stroke. The criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, edition 3, revised (DSM-III-R), were used for the diagnosis of depressive disorders.

RESULTS

The frequency of any depressive disorder was 40.1% (n=111). Major depression was diagnosed in 26.0% (n=72) and minor depression in 14.1% (n=39). Major depression with no other explanatory factor besides stroke was diagnosed in 18.0% (n=49) of the patients. Comparing depressed and nondepressed patients, we found no statistically significant difference in sex, age, education, stroke type, stroke localization, stroke syndrome, history of previous cerebrovascular disease, or frequency of DSM-III-R dementia. According to the multiple logistic regression model, dependency in daily life correlated with the diagnosis of depression (odds ratio [OR], 1.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1 to 3.1) and with the diagnosis of major depression (OR, 2.9; 95% CI, 1.6 to 5.5). A history of previous depressive episodes also correlated with the diagnosis of depression (OR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.3 to 4.4) and with the diagnosis of major depression (OR, 2.9; 95% CI, 1.6 to 5.5), whereas solely stroke-related major depression correlated only weakly with stroke severity as measured on the Scandinavian Stroke Scale (OR, 1.1; 95% CI, 1.0 to 1.1).

CONCLUSIONS

Clinically significant depression is frequent after ischemic stroke. We emphasize the importance of the psychiatric examination of poststroke patients, especially those with a significant disability and with a history of prior depressive episodes.

Descriptors of depression: the importance of agreed definitions

OBJECTIVE

We suggest that some descriptors and criteria of depressive features lack clarity or are overinclusive, with definitional limitations and vagaries in rating options, leading to variable ratings of similar items across differing measures as well as cloudy interpretation of positive ratings.

METHOD

We illustrate these limitations by reference to two items: 'guilt' and 'distinct quality of mood'.

RESULTS

We note problems emerging from confounded and imprecise definitions.

CONCLUSIONS

We emphasise the need for definitions of depressive descriptors possessing greater specificity.

Usefulness of the SF-36 Health Survey in measuring health outcomes in the depressed elderly

Longitudinal data from a clinical trial were analyzed to evaluate the usefulness of the SF-36 Health Survey in estimating the impact of depression and changes in severity over time on the functional health and well-being of 532 patients, 60 to 86 years of age, who met DSM-III-R criteria for major depressive disorder. The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, the Clinician's Global Impression of Severity and Improvement, and the Geriatric Depression Scale were used to define clinical severity and changes in severity over a 6-week period. Answers to SF-36 questions tended to be complete and to satisfy assumptions underlying methods of scale construction and scoring. As hypothesized, the SF-36 Mental Health Scale and Mental Component Summary measure, shown in previous studies to be most valid in measuring differences in mental health, exhibited the strongest associations with severity of depression in cross-sectional analyses and were most responsive to changes in severity in longitudinal comparisons. We conclude that the SF-36 Health Survey is useful for estimating the burden of depression and in monitoring changes in functional health and well-being over time among the depressed elderly.

A definite and a semidefinite questionnaire version of the Hamilton/melancholia (HDS/MES) scale

A definite (anchored) and a semidefinite (semi-anchored) questionnaire version of the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDS) and the Bech-Rafaelsen Melancholia Scale (MES) were compared with the HDS/MES by observer-rating and self-rating of 24 patients fulfilling the DSM-3R criteria for major depressive disorder. Both types of questionnaire showed substantial agreement with the observer scale from which they were derived. The sum scores were for the definite questionnaires and the corresponding observer scales closely similar whereas the sum scores of the semidefinite questionnaires were significantly higher than the sum scores of the corresponding observer scales. These results indicate that patients' 'halo' effect may be avoided by using definite scaling criteria for self-rating. Thus, of the two versions of questionnaires the definite versions are recommended.

Telephone assessment of depression severity

This report describes the adaptation of three common measures of depression severity, the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-III-R, and selected items of the Symptom Checklist-90 for follow-up assessment by telephone. In a sample of 30 patients beginning antidepressant treatment, telephone and in-person assessment of current symptom severity produced nearly identical results for all three instruments.

Interrater reliability of the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression

Interrater reliability of the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression Interrater reliability of the Dutch version of the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD 17 items) was investigated. Although sufficient, a kappa of .65, found for all raters, was not very high. Specifically item 2 (feelings of guilt) and item 11 (psychic anxiety) seemed difficult to judge. The most experienced raters achieved the highest kappas as well on the total score of the HRSD. It is concluded that this version of the HRSD, if administered by experienced raters, is a reasonably reliable instrument to obtain a certain 'cut-off score (for instance in-exclusion criterium) as well as to measure the change in severity of the depression during treatment.