The factor structure of major depression symptoms: a test of four competing models using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9.
Little research has examined the underlying symptom structure of major depressive disorder (MDD) symptoms based on DSM-IV criteria. Our aim was to analyze the symptom structure of major depression, using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). The PHQ-9 was administered to a sample of 2615 Army National Guard soldiers from Ohio. A one-factor model of depression and three separate two-factor models previously established in the literature were evaluated using confirmatory factor analysis. Results demonstrated greater support for the two-factor models of depression than for the one-factor model. The best fitting model was the two-factor model of somatic and non-somatic symptoms supported previously by Krause et al. (2010) and Richardson and Richards (2008). Implications for understanding the components and mechanisms of MDD are discussed.
Department of Psychology, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43606-3390, USA.
Jon D
JD
Elhai
Ateka A
AA
Contractor
Marijo
M
Tamburrino
Thomas H
TH
Fine
Marta R
MR
Prescott
Edwin
E
Shirley
Phillip K
PK
Chan
Renee
R
Slembarski
Israel
I
Liberzon
Sandro
S
Galea
Joseph R
JR
Calabrese
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008960:Models, Psychological; D009820:Ohio; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011594:Psychometrics; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014728:Veterans / Q000523:psychology