Symptoms of major depression in people with spinal cord injury: Implications for screening

Model System:

SCI

Reference Type:

Journal

Accession No.:

J46766.

Journal:

Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Year, Volume, Issue, Page(s):

2004 , 85, 11, 1749-1756

Publication Website:

Abstract:

Presents psychometric data on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), a measure used to identify major depressive disorder (MDD) in people with spinal cord injury (SCI). Data collected from 849 participants 1 year after SCI were used to compute descriptive statistics on rates of depressive symptoms and probable MDD, evaluate internal consistency and construct validity, and analyze the accuracy of individual items as predictors of MDD. Exactly 11.4 percent of participants met the criteria for probable MDD. Probable MDD was associated with poorer subjective health, lower satisfaction with life, and more difficulty in daily role functioning. Probable MDD was not related to most demographic or injury-related variables. The findings provide evidence that the PHQ-9 may be useful in identifying probable MDD in people with SCI.

Author(s):

Bombardier, Charles H., Richards, J. Scott, Krause, James S., Tulsky, David, Tate, Denise G.