Article

OBJECTIVES: To validate a non-verbal self-report measure of mood - the Dynamic
Visual Analogue Mood Scales (D-VAMS) - against the Hospital Anxiety and
Depression Scale (HADS) and assess its suitability as an outcome measure or
screening measure for depressed mood following stroke. DESIGN: Cross-sectional
observational cohort study. PARTICIPANTS: Forty-six stroke survivors (24% with
aphasia) recruited from online, from stroke clubs and via an NHS rehabilitation
service. METHODS: A set of seven bipolar scales was developed enabling users to
report mood by modifying facial expression images using a slider. Participants
completed a tablet/computer task, reporting their mood on these scales mixed
randomly with versions which used only words. The HADS was then completed,
followed by a repeat run of the two versions in a different, random sequence.
RESULTS: Exploratory factor analysis identified one factor consistent with
pleasantness of mood accounting for 80% of the variance. Internal consistency of
D-VAMS was high ( alpha = 0.95), and there was a high correlation between
face-only D-VAMS scores and HADS total scores ( r = -0.80, *
P < 0.001), as well as
HADS-D/HADS-A subscale scores ( r = -0.73, P < 0.001;
r = -0.71, P < 0.001).
D-VAMS showed good sensitivity and specificity against HADS, with means of
85%/77% (sensitivity/specificity) against the HADS-D and 80%/77% against the
HADS-A across nine cut-offs. CONCLUSION: D-VAMS is a valid and reliable measure
likely suitable for assessment of depressed mood in aphasia following stroke.
Though D-VAMS performed well as a screening measure in this study sample, further
study is needed in the acute stage post-stroke.

Langue : ANGLAIS