PLoS ONE (Jan 2012)

Can a one-item mood scale do the trick? Predicting relapse over 5.5-years in recurrent depression.

  • Gerard D van Rijsbergen,
  • Claudi L H Bockting,
  • Matthias Berking,
  • Maarten W J Koeter,
  • Aart H Schene

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0046796
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 7, no. 10
p. e46796

Abstract

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BackgroundTo examine whether a simple Visual Analogue Mood Scale (VAMS) is able to predict time to relapse over 5.5-years.Methodology/principal findings187 remitted recurrently depressed out-patients were interviewed using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders (SCID-I) and the 17-item Hamilton Depression rating scale (HAM-D) to verify remission status (HAM-D Conclusions/significanceSad mood after remission appears to play a pivotal role in the course of depression. Since a simple VAMS predicted time to relapse, the VAMS might be an easy and time-effective way to monitor mood and risk of early relapse, and offers possibilities for daily monitoring using e-mail and SMS.Trial registrationInternational Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Register Identifier: ISRCTN68246470.