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Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology
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About Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology
Scale Name
Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology
Author Details
A. John Rush, Christina M. Gullion, Monica R. Basco, Robin B. Jarrett, & Madhukar H. Trivedi
Translation Availability
English
Background/Description
The Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology (IDS), developed by A. John Rush, Christina M. Gullion, Monica R. Basco, Robin B. Jarrett, and Madhukar H. Trivedi in 1996, is a comprehensive tool designed to assess the severity of depressive symptoms in adults. Published in Psychological Medicine, the IDS was created to provide a detailed evaluation of all core DSM-IV depression criteria, addressing limitations in scales like the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale by including symptoms such as appetite changes and atypical features. It exists in two formats: the clinician-rated IDS-C (30 items) and the self-report IDS-SR (30 items), making it versatile for clinical and research use.
Each version of the IDS consists of 30 items, rated on a 4-point scale (0 = “absent” to 3 = “severe”), covering mood, cognitive, somatic, and functional symptoms over the past week. Total scores range from 0 to 84, with thresholds like 14-25 indicating mild, 26-38 moderate, and 39+ severe depression. Taking about 10-15 minutes for the IDS-SR and 15-20 minutes for the IDS-C, it offers a thorough yet efficient assessment. Its translations into multiple languages and sensitivity to treatment effects make it a valuable tool for psychologists and psychiatrists tracking depression in diverse populations.
Administration, Scoring and Interpretation
- Obtain the copy: Access the IDS from its original publication in Rush et al. (1996) via Psychological Medicine or authorized resources like the IDS website, ensuring proper use.
- Explain the purpose: Inform participants (or clinicians) that the inventory measures depressive symptom severity to aid in diagnosis, treatment planning, or research.
- Provide instructions: Instruct participants (IDS-SR) to rate each of the 30 items based on the past week, or guide clinicians (IDS-C) to score via interview and observation, using the 4-point scale.
- Approximate time: Allow 10-15 minutes for the IDS-SR or 15-20 minutes for the IDS-C, depending on format and participant pace.
- Administer the scale: Distribute the IDS-SR in a private setting or conduct the IDS-C interview in a clinical environment, ensuring confidentiality and accuracy.
Reliability and Validity
The Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology exhibits strong psychometric properties, as established in Rush et al. (1996). Internal consistency is high, with Cronbach’s alpha coefficients of 0.92 for the IDS-C and 0.94 for the IDS-SR, indicating reliable symptom measurement. Test-retest reliability over a one-week period yields coefficients around 0.85-0.90, reflecting stability in untreated samples.
Validity is robustly supported. Concurrent validity is shown through strong correlations (r = 0.85-0.90) with the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and Beck Depression Inventory. Content validity encompasses all DSM-IV depression criteria, including atypical symptoms, enhancing its comprehensiveness. Discriminant validity distinguishes IDS scores from anxiety scales, though some overlap occurs due to comorbidity. Its sensitivity to change, evidenced in antidepressant trials, makes it a reliable and valid tool for tracking treatment outcomes.
Available Versions
30-Items
16-Items
Reference
Rush, A. J., Gullion, C. M., Basco, M. R., Jarrett, R. B., & Trivedi, M. H. (1996). The inventory of depressive symptomatology (IDS): psychometric properties. Psychological medicine, 26(3), 477-486.
Important Link
Scale File:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the IDS measure?
It measures the severity of depressive symptoms in adults.
How many items are in the IDS?
It includes 30 items in both clinician and self-report versions.
Who developed the IDS?
It was developed by A. John Rush and colleagues in 1996.
How long does it take to complete the IDS?
It takes 10-15 minutes for IDS-SR, 15-20 minutes for IDS-C.
Is there a shorter version of the IDS?
Yes, the Quick IDS (QIDS) has 16 items.
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