Development and validation of the Dimensional Anhedonia Rating Scale (DARS) in a community sample and individuals with major depression. Issue 1 (30th September 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rizvi, Sakina J.; Quilty, Lena C.; Sproule, Beth A.; Cyriac, Anna; Michael Bagby, R.; Kennedy, Sidney H.
• Is Part Of: Psychiatry research. Volume 229:Issue 1/2(2015)
• Page Start: 109
• Page End: 119
• Publication Date: 2015-09-30
• Subjects: Dimensional Anhedonia Rating Scale -- Anhedonia -- Snaith–Hamilton Pleasure Scale -- Validity -- Reliability -- Scale development -- Major depressive disorder; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- periodicals; Psychiatrie -- Périodiques; 616.89
• DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2015.07.062
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0165-1781

Abstract

Abstract: Anhedonia, a core symptom of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), is predictive of antidepressant non-response. In contrast to the definition of anhedonia as a "loss of pleasure", neuropsychological studies provide evidence for multiple facets of hedonic function. The aim of the current study was to develop and validate the Dimensional Anhedonia Rating Scale (DARS), a dynamic scale that measures desire, motivation, effort and consummatory pleasure across hedonic domains. Following item selection procedures and reliability testing using data from community participants ( N =229) (Study 1), the 17-item scale was validated in an online study with community participants ( N =150) (Study 2). The DARS was also validated in unipolar or bipolar depressed patients ( n =52) and controls ( n =50) (Study 3). Principal components analysis of the 17-item DARS revealed a 4-component structure mapping onto the domains of anhedonia: hobbies, food/drink, social activities, and sensory experience. Reliability of the DARS subscales was high across studies (Cronbach's α =0.75–0.92). The DARS also demonstrated good convergent and divergent validity. Hierarchical regression analysis revealed the DARS showed additional utility over the Snaith–Hamilton Pleasure Scale (SHAPS) in predicting reward function and distinguishing MDD subgroups. These studies provide support for the reliability and validity of the DARS. Highlights: We demonstrate the psychometric properties of the Dimensional Anhedonia Rating Scale (DARS) in 3 studies. The DARS is a dynamic scale that includes facets of desire, motivation, effort and consummatory pleasure. The scale demonstrated high internal consistency reliability and validity across studies. Hierarchical regression analysis demonstrated the DARS was superior to the Snaith–Hamilton Pleasure Scale (SHAPS) in distinguishing MDD subgroups.