title: [The "AMDP scale for dissociation and conversion (AMDP-DK)": development of an observer-rated scale and first psychometric properties].
abstract: The AMDP scale for dissociation and conversion (AMDP-DK) represents an observer-rated scale for the assessment of dissociative and conversive phenomena, which closes the gap between available self-report questionnaires and time-consuming structured interviews with their respective disadvantages. The instrument comprises 30 operationalized items, which are rated according to the AMDP rules, and which are theoretically-driven divided into the subscales dissociation (15 items), conversion (9 items) and a "formal" dimension (6 items) to cover associated phenomena. In a sample of psychiatric inpatients (n = 73) the covered symptoms showed a great variety of frequency and intensity. The AMDP-DK and its subscales had good internal consistency (Cronbachs alpha between 0.76 and 0.85). A factor-analysis mostly replicated the theoretically constructed subscales. The convergent and divergent validity of the scale was good, as well as its ability to discriminate between high- and low-dissociating patients. The findings are discussed with regard to the psychometric properties and the relevance for the theories of dissociation and conversion.
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: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Spitzer
authors.forename: K H
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Wrede
authors.forename: H J
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Freyberger
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003291:Conversion Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology*; 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; D015203:Reproducibility of Results