Thank you for the info! I am familiar with the DSM-IV, it is used in my field of work. I just wasn't clear on the MSDR Test. Thank you for clearing it up. As I had mentioned my daughter that lives very far from me was taking the test. And I just like to keep informed when it comes to my children. I wasn't able to find the test either. So, I came here and look at all the info I got! Thanks again.
Bless You,
D
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The overall reliability again, in my opinion, is questionable, but these tests are in wide use and will continue to be, primarily for clinical evaluations rather than for making an actual diagnois.
I feel the proper mental healthcare provider should do this, although they may use one or both of these tests as an adjunct to that diagnois.
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I do guss it happens that the tests are done alone, but it is more common that an interview of the one concerned is done along with the tests. It is a good aid in making a more correct diagnosis.
At least that is my personal opinion and experience. One day can be very much "blaaah" while the second day is much better. Those are details the test can't catch, while the interviewer can ask and get a verbal answer.
Florena
ParamedFlorena is exactly on target as to what MADRS is and what it is used for. There is another test called the HAM-D which is similar in nature and has pretty much the same objective, and that is to determine the level of depression in an individual.
I personally, am not a big advocate of paper and pencil testss but here is some additional information about both tests which you may find helpful.
The Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D) and the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), two widely used depression scales, each have unique advantages and limitations for research. The HAM-D's limited sensitivity and multidimensionality have been criticized, despite the scale's popularity. The MADRS, designed to be sensitive to treatment changes, is briefer and more uniform. A limitation of the MADRS is the lack of a structured interview, which may affect reliability. The HAM-D and the MADRS are often used conjointly as endpoints in depression trials.
The overall reliability again, in my opinion, is questionable, but these tests are in wide use and will continue to be, primarily for clinical evaluations rather than for making an actual diagnois.
I feel the proper mental healthcare provider should do this, although they may use one or both of these tests as an adjunct to that diagnois.
I hope I haven't confused you to much with all this technical jargon, but if your rpovider wants you to take one or both, just go ahead, be honest and let it go at that.
Michael(Jikan)
Hi D!
The tests I've been through are at least ELISA and MADRS. I don't remember what the ELISA was for, but the MADRS was to give the psychologist clues about how my mood had been the last 3 days before the appointment. If it is done and documented a few times along the course of therapy (matter of months of course) it is a way for the psychologist and me to look back and say: "Well, now it seems as the treatment works."
It is a test of honesty to oneself too - the scores are not informed about. It should be only the psychologist that has them. It's no idea to fake or lie on the tests - that'd be unfair to oneself.
Hope this helps! I tried to google the MSDR-test but couldnt' find anything.
MADRS is an abbreviation for:
Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale
It is a questionnaire used by specialists in clinical psychology and in the psychiatry and aims to check out according to the DSM-IV... (I believe?)
The reliability is maybe something others in here has insight in too?
Florena