The psychometric validity of the Center for Epidemiological Studies – Depression Scale (CES-D) in first episode schizophrenia spectrum

Abstract

Depressive pathology is common in first-episode schizophrenia spectrum disorders (FES), and is frequently assessed using the Center for Epidemiological Studies – Depression Scale (CES-D), an instrument designed for use in community samples. Despite its widespread use, no prior study has examined the psychometric validity of the CES-D in assessing depressive pathology in FES. The aim of this study was to examine the psychometric validity of the CES-D in FES. This study involved secondary analysis of baseline data from a single blind, randomized controlled trial of vocational intervention for individuals with FES (N=91; age range: 15–25 years). Measures used were: CES-D, Brief Psychiatric Rati..