Psychometric Attributes of the DISC Predictive Scales

Abstract

Introduction: This study was designed to evaluate the psychometric attributes and screening efficiency of a Spanish version of the Children Predictive Scales (DPS) against the Spanish Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children (DISC-IV). Method: This pilot cross-sectional study included 61 children aged 9 to 14 years in a mainstream school. The following psychometric attributes were analyzed: acceptability, scale assumptions, internal consistency, and precision, as well the predictive validity (AUC).Results: The scale did not show ceiling or floor effects (6.4%, 1.3%, respectively). The internal consistency was high (α=0.92), and the standard error of measurement was adequate (SEM=1.54). The overall DPS AUC was 0.72 against DISC IV corresponding diagnosis. Conclusion: The Spanish version of the DPS-4.32 seems to be a reliable and precise tool for screening mental health disorders in a school-age population.

The Association of Poor Academic Performance with Tic Disorders: A Longitudinal, Mainstream School-Based Population Study

“…We included scales screening comorbidities previously associated with TD including: (1) Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), using the autism domain of the Autism-Tics ADHD and other Comorbidities Inventory scale [14]; and (2) Psychiatric disorders, using the Spanish computerized version of the Children Predictive Scales (DPS) [15], which contains 18 subscales including phobia disorders, ADHD, OCD, oppositional defiant disorder, anxiety disorders, major depressive disorders, conduct disorder, and substance abuse. Specific psychiatric disorders were diagnosed using the individual DPS cutoff scores for each subscale [15].…”

“…We included scales screening comorbidities previously associated with TD including: (1) Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), using the autism domain of the Autism-Tics ADHD and other Comorbidities Inventory scale [14]; and (2) Psychiatric disorders, using the Spanish computerized version of the Children Predictive Scales (DPS) [15], which contains 18 subscales including phobia disorders, ADHD, OCD, oppositional defiant disorder, anxiety disorders, major depressive disorders, conduct disorder, and substance abuse. Specific psychiatric disorders were diagnosed using the individual DPS cutoff scores for each subscale [15]. Screening estimates of verbal and nonverbal intelligence plus a composite IQ were obtained in the first wave of the study, using the Kaufman Brief Intelligence test [16], based on a mean of 100 and SD of 15, scores >130 indicating very high abilities, scores 120-129 high abilities, scores 110-119 average-high abilities, scores 90-109 average abilities, and scores ≤90 below average abilities.…”

Prenatal and Perinatal Morbidity in Children with Tic Disorders: A Mainstream School-based Population Study in Central Spain

“…Neuropsychiatric comorbidities were screened by trained raters using the Spanish computerized version of the Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children (DISC) Predictive Scale (DPS). 9 The DPS contains 18 subscales using DSM-IV criteria, 9 including phobia disorders, ADHD, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), oppositional defiant disorder, anxiety, major depression conduct disorder, and substance abuse disorder. Verbal and non-verbal intelligence information was measured by an intellectual quotient (IQ) composite score obtained using the Kaufman Brief Intelligence Test.…”

Effect of depressive symptoms on asthma intervention in urban teens

“…46 These scales (known as Diagnostic Predictive Scales) have been tested in various populations and have been reported to be efficient and reliable screening tools for school-age children. 48,49 Caregiver depression was defined as a response of 8 days’ duration or greater to 4 or more of the questions on the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 completed by the caregiver. 50 It is based on the 9 diagnostic criteria for depression as per the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fourth Edition) and queries the caregivers about depressive symptoms in the prior 2 weeks.…”