Scales And Assessment Tools

Question 1

BASDEC (Brief Assessment Schedule Depression Cards)

Answer 1

The BASDEC is a screening test for depression. It uses a deck of cards with statements such as ‘I’ve lost interest in things’ which are shown to the patient. In response to each card, the patient indicates whether the card is true or false by pointing to another card. There are 19 cards with a maximum score of 21 (two cards carry 2 points each). It is a quick test and takes less than 5 minutes to administer. A cut off score of 7 is generally used.

Question 2

Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia

Answer 2

This test was developed specifically to screen for depression in dementia cases. It involves a 20 min interview with a carer and 10 mins with the patient.

A total of 19 items are rated as either ‘absent’, ‘mild / intermittent’, or ‘severe’

Question 3

DESS (Discontinuation-Emergent Signs and Symptoms scale)

Answer 3

The DESS is used to quantify discontination symptoms associated with stopping antidepressants. This 43-item rating scale spans a broad spectrum of discontinuation symptoms and can be helpful in documenting symptoms of depressed patients in order to diagnose the likely cause of distress.