A Development of Korea Depression Scale / 신경정신의학

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: This study was intended to develop the Korean Depression Scale (KDS) which reflects our culture and custom. METHODS: Participants were 3,707 normal adults selected from 12 administrative districts (Do) and 142 depressed patients. Internal consistency was calculated and construct and discrimination validation were performed. And ROC analysis was used to testify diagnostic efficiency for depressed patient. RESULTS: KDS was proved to be a reliable instrument (Cronbach alpha=.95) and it consisted of 6 factors; Negative thinking toward the future, Negative thinking toward the self, Worry and agitation, Depressed mood, Somatization, and Loss of volition. Patients' KDS score mean was higher than normal group's significantly. Diagnostic efficiency was 73.1% and the male's full scale cutoff score was 65, female 70. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that KDS is a reliable and valid tool which reflects Korean culture and custom. And the KDS will be useful in diagnostic evaluation of depression and treatment outcome study.