The Brief-HAPPI: a questionnaire to assess cognitions that distinguish between individuals with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder and non-clinical controls.
BACKGROUND
Despite developments in cognitive behavioural therapy for bipolar disorder, little is known about the specific dysfunctional beliefs that may predispose individuals to mania. Therefore a measure was specifically designed for this purpose based on a cognitive approach. The measure is called the Hypomanic Attitudes and Positive Predictions Inventory (HAPPI).


METHODS
Fifty-six individuals with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder and 39 matched healthy controls completed a brief version of the HAPPI (Brief-HAPPI), the Internal State Scale, and the Hypomanic Interpretations Questionnaire (HIQ).


RESULTS
The bipolar group scored higher on the overall Brief-HAPPI scale, higher on the forward items of the Brief-HAPPI, lower on the reverse items and no different on the filler items. The group differences in overall score remained when controlling for current self-reported symptoms of mania and depression, and recent history of hypomanic symptoms, yet within the bipolar group, Brief-HAPPI score was positively correlated with the level of symptoms. The Brief-HAPPI showed a sizeable correlation with the HIQ, yet each scale showed a significant and independent association with bipolar disorder.


CONCLUSIONS
The Brief-HAPPI assesses dysfunctional beliefs that are associated with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder.
Mansell
Warren
W
School of Psychological Sciences, Coupland I, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK. warren.mansell@manchester.ac.uk
Jones
Steven H
SH
D000328:Adult; D001288:Attention; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D003469:Culture; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010555:Personality Inventory / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011594:Psychometrics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012016:Reference Values; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires