title: [Screening and Measurement of Change of Dissociative Psychopathology: Psychometric Properties of the Short Version of the Fragebogen zu Dissoziativen Symptomen (FDS-20)].
abstract: Given the clinical and scientific relevance of dissociative experiences our study aimed to assess the psychometric properties of a short version of the German Dissociative Experience Scale (called FDS-20) as well as its ability to measure changes in dissociation. In a large sample (N = 1289) the FDS- 20 showed good internal consistency. A factor analysis indicated that the scale measures one single factor reflecting the general degree of dissociative psychopathology. Between-group-comparisons suggested a good discriminant validity between high and low dissociators; however, due to high standard deviations the FDS-20 is not well suited for an individual diagnosis and therefore, it should be used as a screening device. Low effect sizes (d < 0,3) between scores at the beginning and the end of inpatient treatment as well as low micro -indices pointed to a temporal stable construct and a trait scale, respectively. Alternatively to group comparisons, individual parameters of treatment success (statistical and clinical significance) were calculated. They proved to be more appropriate in measuring changes in dissociation.
authors.affiliation: Klinik und Poliklinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie der Ernst-Moritz-Arndt-Universität Greifswald im Klinikum der Hansestadt Stralsund. spitzer@mail.uni-greifswald.de
authors.forename: Carsten
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Spitzer
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Mestel
authors.forename: Jürgen
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Klingelhöfer
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Gänsicke
authors.forename: Harald J
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Freyberger
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004213:Dissociative Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology*; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011594:Psychometrics; D015203:Reproducibility of Results