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The HCL-32: Towards a self-assessment tool for hypomanic symptoms in outpatients
- Source :
-
Journal of Affective Disorders . Oct2005, Vol. 88 Issue 2, p217-233. 17p. - Publication Year :
- 2005
-
Abstract
- Abstract: Background: Bipolar disorders (BP) are frequently diagnosed and treated as pure depression initially; accurate diagnosis often being delayed by 8 to 10 years. In prospective studies, the presence of hypomanic symptoms in adolescence is strongly predictive of later bipolar disorders. As such, an instrument for self-assessment of hypomanic symptoms might increase the detection of suspected and of manifest, but under-treated, cases of bipolar disorders. Methods: The multi-lingual hypomania checklist (HCL-32) has been developed and is being tested internationally. This preliminary paper reports the performance of the scale in distinguishing individuals with BP (N =266) from those with major depressive disorder (MDD; N =160). The samples were adult psychiatry patients recruited in Italy (N =186) and Sweden (N =240). Results: The samples reported similar clinical profiles and the structure for the HCL-32 demonstrated two main factors identified as “active/elated” hypomania and “risk-taking/irritable” hypomania. The HCL-32 distinguished between BP and MDD with a sensitivity of 80% and a specificity of 51%. Limitations: Although the HCL-32 is a sensitive instrument for hypomanic symptoms, it does not distinguish between BP-I and BP-II disorders. Conclusions: Future studies should test if different combinations of items, possibly recording the consequences of hypomania, can distinguish between these BP subtypes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
- Subjects :
- *BIPOLAR disorder
*MENTAL depression
*MENTAL health
*BEHAVIORAL medicine
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 01650327
- Volume :
- 88
- Issue :
- 2
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- Journal of Affective Disorders
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 18303935
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2005.05.011