HEALTH-RELATED QUALITY-OF-LIFE ASSESSMENT IN EUTHYMIC AND DEPRESSED-PATIENTS WITH BIPOLAR DISORDER - PSYCHOMETRIC PERFORMANCE OF 4 SELF-REPORT MEASURES

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of selected health-related quality of Life (HRQL) self-report measures in 62 euthymic and depressed patients diagnosed with bipolar disorder . Patients completed the Quality of Life in Depression Scale (QLDS), M ental Health Index-17 (MHI-17), Cognitive Function Scale, and Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 (SF-36) at baseline and 8 weeks following treatment. Hamilton and Young Rating Scales were used to assess clini cal status and validate the HRQL measures. The MHI-17, Cognitive Funct ion Scale, QLDS, and SF-36 social function, vitality, role limitations -emotional, and mental health scales have good reliability and validit y, and are responsive to changes in clinical status in patients with b ipolar disorder. Although the small sample size limits generalizablity , euthymic and depressed outpatients with bipolar disorder appear to c ontribute reliable self reports on selected aspects of their quality o f life. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V.