Toward a very brief self-report to assess the core symptoms of depression (VQIDS-SR₅)

Objective: To develop a short, 5-item measure of the core symptoms of depression based on the 16-item Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology – Self-Report (QIDS-SR₁₆) and to evaluate psychometric properties of this new measure (Very Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology – Self-Report: VQIDS-SR₅). Method: Using data from a convenience sample of the Combining Medications to Enhance Depression Outcomes (CO-MED) trial, we evaluated the psychometric properties of the VQIDS-SR₅, its sensitivity to change, and its comparability to the QIDS-SR₁₆ and clinician-rated scales (QIDS-C₁₆ and VQIDS-C₅). Results: The VQIDS-SR₅ has a single-factor structure with an acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha: 0.67–0.81). The VQIDS-SR₅ was as sensitive to change as its parent scale, then QIDS-SR₁₆ and, detected change at an earlier time frame. Additionally, the VQIDS-SR₅ was comparable to the QIDS-SR₁₆, QIDS-C₁₆, and VQIDS-C₅. Conclusion: The VQIDS-SR₅ can effectively evaluate the core symptoms of depression during the course of treatment.