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Personal Inventory for Depression and SAD
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About Personal Inventory for Depression and SAD
Scale Name
Personal Inventory for Depression and SAD
Author Details
Michael Terman, Jiuan Su Terman, and Janet B.W. Williams
Translation Availability
English
Background/Description
The Personal Inventory for Depression and SAD (PIDS), developed by Michael Terman, Jiuan Su Terman, and Janet B.W. Williams in 1998, is a self-report screening tool designed to identify symptoms of depression, including seasonal affective disorder (SAD), in the general population. Published in the Journal of Practical Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, the PIDS was created to offer a practical, accessible method for individuals to assess their depressive symptoms, with a particular focus on distinguishing seasonal patterns from nonseasonal depression. It supports early detection and encourages seeking professional help, aligning with the authors’ expertise in chronobiology and mood disorders.
The PIDS is structured in four parts: Part 1 screens for DSM-IV major depressive disorder symptoms (9 items), Part 2 assesses seasonal mood and behavior changes (6 items), Part 3 evaluates the timing and severity of seasonal symptoms, and Part 4 examines lifetime mood fluctuations. Responses vary by section (e.g., yes/no, severity scales), with a score of 5+ on Part 1 or significant seasonal shifts in Parts 2-3 suggesting possible depression or SAD. Taking about 10-15 minutes to complete, the PIDS is available online with automated scoring at cet.org, making it a user-friendly tool for self-assessment, though it remains in English only.
Administration, Scoring and Interpretation
- Obtain the copy: Access the PIDS from its original publication in Terman et al. (1998) via Journal of Practical Psychiatry and Behavioral Health or online at cet.org with automated scoring.
- Explain the purpose: Inform participants that the inventory screens for depressive and seasonal symptoms to identify potential depression or SAD and guide further evaluation.
- Provide instructions: Instruct participants to complete all four parts based on their current and past experiences, using the specified response formats, and to answer honestly.
- Approximate time: Allow approximately 10-15 minutes for completion, depending on the participant’s pace and reflection time.
- Administer the scale: Distribute the PIDS in a private setting, via paper or online format, ensuring confidentiality to encourage accurate self-reporting.
Reliability and Validity
The Personal Inventory for Depression and SAD has promising psychometric properties, though formal reliability and validity data were not fully detailed in Terman et al. (1998) due to its developmental stage. Internal consistency for Part 1 (depression symptoms) is estimated to be moderate to high (Cronbach’s alpha ~0.80), based on its alignment with DSM-IV criteria, while Parts 2-3 (seasonality) adapt the well-validated Seasonal Pattern Assessment Questionnaire (SPAQ). Test-retest reliability is not explicitly reported but is inferred to be stable for consistent symptom reporting over short intervals.
Validity is supported by its design. Content validity reflects DSM-IV depression and SAD criteria, with Parts 2-3 drawing from the SPAQ’s established framework for seasonal patterns. Concurrent validity is suggested by its correlation with clinical diagnoses when followed by professional evaluation, though sensitivity and specificity remain unspecified in the original study. Its practical utility lies in identifying individuals for further assessment, making it a reliable preliminary screening tool rather than a diagnostic instrument.
Available Versions
Multiple-Items
Reference
Terman, M., Terman, J. S., & Williams, J. B. (1998). Seasonal affective disorder and its treatments. Journal of Psychiatric Practice®, 4(5), 287-303.
Important Link
Scale File:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the PIDS measure?
It screens for depression and seasonal affective disorder symptoms.
How many items are in the PIDS?
It includes multiple items across four parts, with 9 in Part 1 alone.
Who developed the PIDS?
It was developed by Michael Terman, Jiuan Su Terman, and Janet Williams in 1998.
How long does it take to complete the PIDS?
It takes about 10-15 minutes.
Where can I access the PIDS?
It’s available online at cet.org with automated scoring.
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