Subjective Attributes of Depression, Part 1: The Subjective Disability Depression Questionnaire, a New Measure for Assessing Reactive Depression Following Stroke

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the psychometric characteristics of the Subjective Disability Depression Questionnaire (SDDQ) as a measure of the influences of self-perceived disability on depression. Method: Twenty-seven stroke patients and partners, and a comparison group of 28 amputees and partners from a rehabilitation centre completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, General Health Questionnaire-28, and Emotional and Social Dysfunction Questionnaire. Results: The SDDQ was found to have a nine-factor structure that explained 88.09% of the variance in depression. The construct validity and high split half reliability and internal consistency provided satisfactory test characteristics. Conclusions: The present study presents initial evidence that the SDDQ is a reliable and valid measure of the impact of self-perceived disability on depression, and suggests it will be useful in providing a focus for individually tailored psychological therapies.