Criterion validity of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale (CES-D): results from a community-based sample of older subjects in The Netherlands.
The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale (CES-D) has been widely used in studies of late-life depression. Psychometric properties are generally favourable, but data on the criterion validity of the CES-D in elderly community-based samples are lacking. In a sample of older (55-85 years) inhabitants of the Netherlands, 487 subjects were selected to study criterion validity of the CES-D. Using the 1-month prevalence of major depression derived from the Diagnostic Interview Schedule (DIS) as criterion, the weighted sensitivity of the CES-D was 100%; specificity 88%; and positive predictive value 13.2%. False positives were not more likely among elderly with physical illness, cognitive decline or anxiety. We conclude that the criterion validity of the CES-D for major depression was very satisfactory in this sample of older adults.
Beekman
A T
AT
Department of Psychiatry, Free University Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Deeg
D J
DJ
Van Limbeek
J
J
Braam
A W
AW
De Vries
M Z
MZ
Van Tilburg
W
W
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001007:Anxiety / Q000453:epidemiology; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000453:epidemiology; D015897:Comorbidity; D016001:Confidence Intervals; D003863:Depression / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009426:Netherlands / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales / Q000592:standards*; D012016:Reference Values; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012494:Sampling Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity