Psychometric and structural properties of the inventory to diagnose depression DSM-IV (IDD-DSM-IV) in young women

Background: The present study presents a psychometric analysis of the German Version of the Inventory to Diagnose Depression DSM-IV [FDD-DSM-IV; Kuhner, 1997] in a non-clinical population. It was examined, if the questionnaire is suitable for screening and selection purposes. Materials and Methods: 247 women participated in the study and completed, among other diagnostic measures, the FDD-DSM-IV. In addition, mental disorders were diagnosed using a structured interview (IDCL-DSM-IV). The sample consisted of three diagnostic groups ( social phobia, generalized anxiety disorder, depressive disorder), three sub-clinical groups as well as one healthy control group. Results: Analyses yielded acceptable psychometric characteristics of the inventory. The sensitivity of the FDD-DSM-IV was 61.8%, the specificity was 96.7%. Internal consistency and split-half reliabilities were calculated. Exploratory factor analyses suggested two factors. Conclusion: Due to its underlying theory and its psychometric properties the FDD-DSM-IV can be considered as suitable for screening of depressive symptoms in young women. Still, additional diagnostic assessments following selection are recommended, as many symptoms of depression overlap with other mental disorders.