Lotan Kraun1, Norm O'Rourke2, Yamima Osher3, Yuly Bersudsky3, Dany Belotherkovsky3, Yaacov G Bachner2. 1. School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva, Israel. 2. Department of Public Health and Multidisciplinary Research Center on Aging, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva, Israel. 3. Be'er Sheva Mental Health Center and Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva, Israel.
Abstract
PURPOSE: Brief and effective screening measures are required to detect clinical depression in bipolar disorder (BD) patients. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the clinical utility of a six-item, self-report Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-6). DESIGN AND METHOD: Sixty BD outpatients completed questionnaires including the HAMD-6 before regular psychiatric appointments. FINDINGS: A 7+ HAMD-6 cut-off score correctly identified six of eight depressed patients, indicating 75% sensitivity and 84% specificity. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: The results of this study suggest the HAMD-6 is an effective depression screening measure with BD patients living in the community. This brief self-report scale can be used in clinical settings to quickly identify those requiring more thorough clinical attention.
PURPOSE: Brief and effective screening measures are required to detect clinical depression in bipolar disorder (BD) patients. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the clinical utility of a six-item, self-report Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-6). DESIGN AND METHOD: Sixty BD outpatients completed questionnaires including the HAMD-6 before regular psychiatric appointments. FINDINGS: A 7+ HAMD-6 cut-off score correctly identified six of eight depressedpatients, indicating 75% sensitivity and 84% specificity. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: The results of this study suggest the HAMD-6 is an effective depression screening measure with BDpatients living in the community. This brief self-report scale can be used in clinical settings to quickly identify those requiring more thorough clinical attention.