Validation of geriatric depression and anxiety rating scales into Arabic

Abstract

Introduction This study aimed to examine the validity and internal consistency of Arabic version of the Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia (A-CSDD) and compare it to the Geriatric Depression and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scales.

Methods Hundred fifty individuals were recruited; they underwent a clinical interview and filled the A-CSDD, Geriatric Depression Scale, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. The depression rating scales were validated against the Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual disorders.

Results A-CSDD found to have sensitivity of 70%, specificity of 91%, and internal consistency of 0.89. The presence of depression was significantly associated with dementia. The associations of the A-CSDD with Arabic Geriatric Depression Scale (r: 0.3) and Arabic Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (r: 0.4) were lower in the demented group than in the nondemented group (r: 0.7 and 0.8, respectively).

Conclusion The diagnosis of depression in the context of dementia may be challenging. With this validated version, clinicians now have a tool helping them with the diagnosis.