Age Range: 18--65

Time: 5-10 minutes

Restricted Use: None

Authors: Christina B Barrick, Ph.D. and Elsa I. Correa, M.D.

The Correa-Barrick Depression Scale (CBDS) measures the severity of depression, as well as assesses changes in depression over time to evaluate treatment response.  In addition, it evaluates suicidal ideation.  It is a 20-item, patented, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), which is less taxing for the depressed respondent than a four-item response questionnaire.When responding to a VAS item, respondents specify their level of agreement to a statement by indicating a position along a continuous line between two end-points. This continuous (or "analogue") aspect of the scale differentiates it from discrete scales such as the Likert scale. There is evidence showing that visual analogue scales have superior metrical characteristics than discrete scales, thus a wider range of statistical methods can be applied to the measurements. 

A Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) is a measurement instrument that tries to measure a characteristic or attitude that is believed to range across a continuum of values and cannot easily be directly measured. For example, the amount of depression that a patient feels ranges across a continuum from none to an extreme amount of depression. From the patient's perspective this spectrum appears continuous, their depression does not take discrete jumps, as a categorization of none, mild, moderate and severe would suggest. It was to capture this idea of an underlying continuum that the VAS was devised. 

Operationally a VAS is usually a horizontal line, 10 cm in length, anchored by word descriptors at each end. The patient marks on the line the point that they feel represents their perception of their current state.  The VAS score is determined by measuring in centimeters from the left hand end of the line to the point that the patient marks.

This scale also has a new feature not found in other depression scales, which is color sensitivity impairment.  This construct was tested using psychometric assessments and statistical factor analyses, and was identified as “Sensory-perceptual Alteration.”  Items are reverse worded to prevent response bias.  Based on this new method of assessment, this scale has been granted a US Patent. 

The administration of the test may be either individual or group administration.  Items are formatted according to a 10 cm line visual analog scale.  Scores 0-10 points represent “No depression” to “Most depressed I have ever been.”  The CBS was designed for in hospitals, private practice, colleges, clinics, home settings, health departments, and government and military agencies. 

Complete Kit includes the CBDS Manual and a package of 25 Record Forms.

References

• Barrick, C. B. (1994). Psychometric assessment of two new self-rating depression scales: The schiraldi depression check-up and the correa-barrick depression scale (Order No. 9507909). Available from ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global. (304102045).

• Barrick, C., Kent, V., Crusse, E., & Taylor, D. (2012). Psychometric assessment of the Correa–Barrick postpartum depression scale. Journal of Affective Disorders, 141(2-3), 246-254.
  

• Barrick, C. B., Taylor, D., & Correa, E. I. (2002). Color sensitivity and mood disorders: Biology or metaphor? Journal of Affective Disorders, 68(1), 67-71. 

• Barrick, C. B., Taylor, D. E., Correa, E. I., & Haase, M. (2002). Psychometric assessment and clinical application of the correa-barrick depression rating scale / commentary. Clinical Nursing Research, 11(4), 363-81.