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Medical Outcomes Study Depression Questionnaire
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About Medical Outcomes Study Depression Questionnaire
Scale Name
Medical Outcomes Study Depression Questionnaire
Author Details
M. Audrey Burnam, Kenneth B. Wells, Barbara Leake, and John Landsverk
Translation Availability
English
Background/Description
The Medical Outcomes Study Depression Questionnaire (MOS-DQ), developed by M. Audrey Burnam, Kenneth B. Wells, Barbara Leake, and John Landsverk in 1988, is a brief self-report screening tool designed to detect depressive disorders in primary care settings. Published in Medical Care, the MOS-DQ emerged from the RAND Medical Outcomes Study to identify major depression and dysthymia among general medical patients, addressing the need for a quick, effective instrument in busy healthcare environments. Its development reflects a focus on integrating mental health screening into routine medical practice.
The MOS-DQ consists of 8 items, rated on varying scales (e.g., yes/no for diagnostic items, 0-5 for frequency), assessing key depressive symptoms like sadness, loss of interest, and sleep disturbance over the past month. A scoring algorithm, rather than a simple total, determines the likelihood of a depressive disorder, with sensitivity and specificity optimized for clinical use. Taking just 2-5 minutes to complete, the MOS-DQ is exceptionally efficient, making it ideal for primary care providers and researchers studying depression prevalence in medical populations. Its availability in English and Spanish enhances its utility in diverse healthcare settings.
Administration, Scoring and Interpretation
- Obtain the copy: Access the MOS-DQ from its original publication in Burnam et al. (1988) via Medical Care or authorized health research resources, ensuring ethical use.
- Explain the purpose: Inform participants that the questionnaire screens for depressive symptoms to identify potential disorders and guide further evaluation or care.
- Provide instructions: Instruct participants to answer each of the 8 items based on their experiences over the past month, using the provided scales, and encourage honest responses.
- Approximate time: Allow approximately 2-5 minutes for completion, depending on the participant’s reading speed and comprehension.
- Administer the scale: Distribute the MOS-DQ in a private setting, via paper or digital format, ensuring confidentiality to promote accurate self-reporting.
Reliability and Validity
The Medical Outcomes Study Depression Questionnaire exhibits strong psychometric properties, as established in Burnam et al. (1988). Internal consistency is not typically reported due to its brief, diagnostic focus, but item coherence is high, with a Cronbach’s alpha estimate of around 0.80 in subsequent studies. Test-retest reliability over a short interval yields coefficients around 0.75-0.85, reflecting stability in stable populations.
Validity is robustly supported. Concurrent validity is shown through high agreement (kappa = 0.70-0.80) with DSM-III diagnoses via structured interviews, with sensitivity of 86% and specificity of 94% for detecting depressive disorders in medical patients. Content validity aligns with core depression criteria, and its predictive validity is evidenced by its ability to identify individuals needing clinical follow-up. Its brevity and focus on primary care enhance its practical utility as a screening tool.
Available Versions
3-Items
Reference
Burnam, M. A., Wells, K. B., Leake, B., & Landsverk, J. (1988). Development of a brief screening instrument for detecting depressive disorders. Medical care, 26(8), 775-789.
Important Link
Scale File:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the MOS-DQ measure?
It screens for depressive disorders in medical patients.
How many items are in the MOS-DQ?
It includes 8 items with varied response scales.
Who developed the MOS-DQ?
It was developed by M. Audrey Burnam and colleagues in 1988.
How long does it take to complete the MOS-DQ?
It takes about 2-5 minutes.
Where is the MOS-DQ typically used?
It’s used in primary care settings for quick screening.
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