Measuring subacute mood changes using the profile of mood states and visual analogue scales.

Mood lability and mixtures of moods are important clinical features that may contribute to diagnostic formulation and treatment response. Attempts at quantifying such lability and mixtures have been limited. In this preliminary study both the Profile of Mood States (POMS) and comparable Visual Analogue Scales were assessed for their feasibility and relative performance over a 3- to 5-day period in two groups of inpatients. Both demonstrated concurrent validity and feasibility. The performance of the POMS appeared somewhat superior. A major concern remains regression to the mean after multiple sampling. The authors suggest continued exploration of the relationships between POMS change scores and diagnosis, biological markers, and treatment outcome.