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Bipolar Spectrum Diagnostic Scale
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About Scale Name
Scale Name
Bipolar Spectrum Diagnostic Scale
Author Details
S. Nassir Ghaemi, MD, MPH and colleagues
Translation Availability
Not Sure
Background/Description
Bipolar disorder is a complex mental health condition that can be difficult to diagnose. It is characterized by episodes of mania or hypomania, which are periods of elevated or irritable mood, and depression, which is a period of low mood and loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable. However, many people with bipolar disorder experience symptoms that fall somewhere between full-blown mania and depression. This is known as the bipolar spectrum.
The Bipolar Spectrum Diagnostic Scale (BSDS) was developed to help clinicians identify individuals who may be experiencing symptoms of bipolar disorder but do not meet the strict diagnostic criteria for a bipolar disorder diagnosis. The BSDS is a self-report questionnaire that consists of 19 items designed to assess the presence and severity of symptoms associated with bipolar disorder. The items cover a range of symptoms, including changes in mood, energy level, activity level, sleep patterns, and behavior.
Each item on the BSDS is scored on a 0-4 scale, with higher scores indicating greater symptom severity. A total score of 14 or higher is considered indicative of the presence of bipolar spectrum disorder.
The BSDS has been validated in clinical research studies and has been found to have good sensitivity and specificity for identifying individuals with bipolar spectrum disorders. It has been used in a variety of settings, including primary care clinics, psychiatric clinics, and research studies.
Administration, Scoring and Interpretation
The Bipolar Spectrum Diagnostic Scale (BSDS) is a self-report questionnaire that can be administered to individuals in a variety of settings, including primary care clinics, psychiatric clinics, and research studies. The BSDS consists of 19 items that assess the presence and severity of symptoms associated with bipolar disorder.
To administer the BSDS, the individual is instructed to read each item carefully and rate how much they have experienced each symptom over the past year on a scale of 0-4, where 0 indicates “not at all” and 4 indicates “very much so.” The individual should respond to each item honestly and to the best of their ability.
Once the individual has completed the BSDS, the total score is calculated by adding up the scores for each item. A total score of 14 or higher is considered indicative of the presence of bipolar spectrum disorder. It is important to note that the BSDS is not a substitute for a comprehensive clinical evaluation by a qualified mental health professional.
It is recommended that the BSDS be used as part of a comprehensive evaluation that includes a clinical interview, medical history, and other assessment tools as needed. The results of the BSDS should be interpreted in the context of the individual’s overall clinical presentation and history.
Reliability and Validity
The Bipolar Spectrum Diagnostic Scale (BSDS) has been extensively studied and has demonstrated good reliability and validity in identifying individuals with bipolar spectrum disorders.
Reliability refers to the consistency and stability of the BSDS scores over time and across different raters. Several studies have found that the BSDS has good test-retest reliability, indicating that the scores are stable over time. Additionally, inter-rater reliability is also high, indicating that the BSDS produces consistent results even when administered by different raters.
Validity refers to the accuracy of the BSDS in measuring what it is supposed to measure. The BSDS has been shown to have good convergent validity, meaning that it correlates with other assessment tools that measure similar constructs, such as the Mood Disorder Questionnaire and the Hypomanic Checklist. Additionally, the BSDS has good discriminant validity, meaning that it can distinguish between individuals with bipolar disorder and those with other mental health conditions.
One study examined the diagnostic accuracy of the BSDS in identifying individuals with bipolar spectrum disorders in a sample of primary care patients who reported symptoms of depression. The study found that the BSDS had good sensitivity and specificity for identifying bipolar spectrum disorders, with a sensitivity of 73% and a specificity of 90%. These findings suggest that the BSDS is a useful tool for detecting bipolar spectrum disorders in a primary care setting.
Available Versions
02-Items
Reference
Ghaemi, S. N., Miller, C. J., Berv, D. A., Klugman, J., Rosenquist, K. J., & Pies, R. W. (2005). Sensitivity and specificity of a new bipolar spectrum diagnostic scale. Journal of Affective Disorders, 84(2-3), 273-277.
Important Link
Scale File:
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the BSDS be used to diagnose bipolar disorder?
The BSDS is not designed to diagnose bipolar disorder on its own, but rather to identify individuals who may be experiencing symptoms of bipolar spectrum disorders. A comprehensive clinical evaluation by a qualified mental health professional is necessary for a formal diagnosis.
Is the BSDS only for adults?
The BSDS was developed and validated in adult populations, so it may not be appropriate for children or adolescents. However, some studies have adapted the BSDS for use with younger populations.
How long does it take to complete the BSDS?
The BSDS typically takes 5-10 minutes to complete.
Can the BSDS be used as a standalone assessment tool?
While the BSDS can provide valuable information about an individual’s symptoms and may indicate the presence of bipolar spectrum disorder, it should not be used as the sole assessment tool. A comprehensive clinical evaluation that includes a clinical interview, medical history, and other assessment tools is necessary for an accurate diagnosis.
What should I do if my BSDS score indicates the presence of bipolar spectrum disorder?
If your BSDS score suggests that you may be experiencing symptoms of bipolar spectrum disorder, it is important to seek out professional help from a mental health provider who can provide an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment recommendations.
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