Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia

TitleCornell Scale for Depression in Dementia
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication1988
AuthorsAlexopoulos G.S, Abrams R.C, Young R.C, Shamoian C.A
JournalBiol Psychiatry
Volume23
Issue3
Pagination271-84
Date PublishedFeb 1
ISBN Number0006-3223 (Print)<br/>0006-3223 (Linking)
Accession Number3337862
Keywords*Psychiatric Status Rating Scales, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Dementia/*complications, Depressive Disorder/complications/*diagnosis, Humans, Middle Aged, Psychometrics
Abstract

The Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia is introduced. This is a 19-item clinician-administered instrument that uses information from interviews with both the patient and a nursing staff member, a method suitable for demented patients. The scale has high interrater reliability (kw = 0.67), internal consistency (coefficient alpha: 0.84), and sensitivity. Total Cornell Scale scores correlate (0.83) with depressive subtypes of various intensity classified according to Research Diagnostic Criteria.

DOI10.1016/0006-3223(88)90038-8