[The symptom checklist-27 in Germany].

The symptom-checklist SCL-27 is a short, multidimensional screening instrument for mental health problems. It contains six subscales, i. e. depressive, dysthymic, vegetative, agoraphobic, sociophobic symptoms, symptoms of mistrust and a global severity index (GSI-27). A survey is presented in two representative samples with overall more than 4500 subjects. The scales of the SCL-27 show satisfying reliability (Cronbach's alpha > 0.70 for all subscales and alpha > 0.90 for global severity) throughout, as well as a largely congruent six factor structure (Comparative Fit Index CFI = 0.91, Standardisized Root Mean square Residual SRMR = 0.04). While women presented with higher scores in the year 1996 on almost all subscales, this was no longer observed in 2003. Additionally, age-effects were less pronounced in 2003 than in 1996.