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Using the HADS to measure depression in Parkinson's Disease
- Anthoula Lioni, Room 3.2, Doorway 6, Medical School, Teviot Place, Edinburgh, EH8 9AG, UK. (31 August 2005)
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Anthoula Lioni, Research Psychologist Clinical/Health Psychology, University of Edinburgh, Room 3.2, Doorway 6, Medical School, Teviot Place, Edinburgh, EH8 9AG, UK.
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a.lioni{at}sms.ed.ac.uk Anthoula Lioni, et al.
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It is not clear what the authors are trying to measure with the HADS; general distress or depression/anxiety? The psychometric properties of the HADS in people with Parkinson's Disease have not been adequately tested. There is poor evidence in the literature that this scale is an appropriate measure of depression and anxiety in this particular population. Also, the cut-off scores used should be adjusted to the population studied, rather than applying the generic scoring guidelines. I would suggest the BDI-II and BAI as more appropriate measures of depression/anxiety in people with Parkinson's Disease. They have been used extensively in this population and their psychometric properties are good, although not ideal. The assessment of depression in Parkinson's Disease is particularly problematic, since many of the symptoms of depression overlap with the symptoms of PD, including the mask-like face. Anthoula Lioni Research Psychologist Clinical/Health Psychology University of Edinburgh Email: a.lioni@sms.ed.ac.uk Declaration of interests: None |
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