Functional assessment short test (FAST): Self-administration in outpatient mental health settings. (April 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Siegel-Ramsay, Jennifer E.; Wu, Bryan; Kapczinski, Flavio; Lanza di Scalea, Teresa; David, Spelber; Frey, Benicio N.; Strakowski, Stephen M.; Almeida, Jorge R.C.
• Is Part Of: Journal of psychiatric research. Volume 160(2023)
• Page Start: 258
• Page End: 262
• Publication Date: 2023-04
• Subjects: Functional assessment short test -- Reproducibility -- Bipolar disorder -- Unipolar depression -- Psychosocial function -- Psychometrics; NOS Not otherwise specified; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; Mental Disorders -- Periodicals; Maladies mentales -- Périodiques; Psychiatry; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 616.89005
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.02.029
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-3956

Abstract

Abstract: The Functional Assessment Short Test (FAST) is a clinician-administered assessment scale of psychosocial dysfunction across various domains typically impacted in individuals with bipolar disorder. The FAST is formally validated as a clinician-administered measure, but support for self-administration would allow its wider use. Therefore, this study aimed to determine whether the FAST could reliably serve as a self-report measure in individuals seeking mental health treatment. Participants completed both the self-report and clinician-administered versions of the FAST as part of their routine outpatient clinical care at the Bipolar Disorders Clinic at The University of Texas Health Austin (UTHA). We investigated correlations between self-report and clinician-administered FAST scores. There were significant positive correlations between self-report and clinician-administered scores in a diverse group of 84 individuals undergoing outpatient mental health treatment (Total FAST scores r S = 0.75; p < .001). These findings support using the FAST as a self-report scale, further increasing its utility to measure functional disability in mental health conditions such as bipolar disorder. Self-report application will increase the utility of the FAST in busy clinical workflows and, therefore, contribute to a more comprehensive clinical assessment of recovery and spur interventions that improve psychosocial functioning and quality of life.