Scale matters : the need for a Bipolar Depression Rating Scale (BDRS)
Berk, M., Malhi, G. S., Mitchell, P. B., Cahill, C. M., Carman, A. C., Hadzi-Pavlovic, D., Hawkins, M. T. and Tohen, M. 2004, Scale matters : the need for a Bipolar Depression Rating Scale (BDRS), Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavia, vol. 110, no. Supplement 422, pp. 39-45, doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0447.2004.00412.x.
Attached Files
Name
Description
MIMEType
Size
Downloads
Title
Scale matters : the need for a Bipolar Depression Rating Scale (BDRS)
Objective: To briefly review the clinical and biological distinctions between unipolar and bipolar depression critiquing in particular currently available depression rating scales and discuss the need for a new observer-rated scale tailored to bipolar depression.
Method: Relevant literature pertaining to the symptomatic differences between bipolar disorder and unipolar disorder as well as their measurement using existing assessment scales was identified by computerized searches and reviews of scientific journals known to the authors. Results: Bipolar depression is distinct from unipolar depression in terms of phenomenology and clinical characteristics. These distinguishing features can be used to identify bipolarity in patients that present with recurrent depressive episodes. This is important because current self-report and observer-rated scales are optimized for unipolar depression, and hence limited in their ability to accurately assess bipolar depression. Conclusion: The development of a specific bipolar depression rating scale will improve the assessment of bipolar depression in both research and clinical settings and assist the development of better treatments and interventions.
Every reasonable effort has been made to ensure that permission has been obtained for items included in DRO. If you believe that your rights have been infringed by this repository, please contact drosupport@deakin.edu.au.
orcid.org/0000-0002-5554-6946
Cited 
Cited 