Detecting depression among adolescents in Santiago, Chile: sex differences.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Depression among adolescents is common but most cases go undetected. Brief questionnaires offer an opportunity to identify probable cases but properly validated cut-off points are often unavailable, especially in non-western countries. Sex differences in the prevalence of depression become marked in adolescence and this needs to be accounted when establishing cut-off points.

Method

This study involved adolescents attending secondary state schools in Santiago, Chile. We compared the self-reported Beck Depression Inventory-II with a psychiatric interview to ascertain diagnosis. General psychometric features were estimated before establishing the criterion validity of the BDI-II.

Results

The BDI-II showed good psychometric properties with good internal consist

SUBMITTER: Araya R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3637822 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature