Reliability and validity of the Dutch Anxiety, Depression And Mood Scale in adults aged <50 years with intellectual disabilities

Abstract

Background Reliable and valid screening instruments for depression and anxiety are needed for adults with intellectual disabilities. Methods Internal consistency (n = 198), inter‐rater reliability (n = 41), test–retest reliability (n = 37) and criterion validity (n = 43) were studied in adults aged between 18 and 49 years. Internal consistency was also studied in a sample with epilepsy (n = 98). Results Internal consistencies of the Dutch ADAMS total scale and subscales were satisfactory to good (α = 0.76–0.92), as well as in the subgroup with epilepsy (α = 0.74–0.88). Inter‐rater reliability and test–retest reliability were fair to excellent for the total scale (ICC’s: 0.57–0.84) and subscales (ICC’s: 0.43–0.86). The criterion validity of the Dutch ADAMS Depressive Mood subscale was good with a sensitivity of 88% (95% CI: 53%–98%) and a specificity of 80% (95% CI: 64%–90%). Conclusions Our study shows that the Dutch ADAMS is a reliable and valid instrument for adults aged between 18 and 49 years with intellectual disabilities (and comorbid epilepsy).

The effect of bright light therapy on depressive symptoms in adults with intellectual disabilities: Results of a multicentre randomized controlled trial

“…Adults with intellectual disabilities (IQ ≤ 70) and with depressive symptoms were included in this study. To be included, a minimum score of 14 (clinical cut‐off point) was needed on the Depressive Mood subscale of the Dutch version of the Anxiety, Depression And Mood Scale (ADAMS; range 0–39) (Hamers, van Ool, et al, 2018; Hermans & Evenhuis, 2013). Exclusion criteria were checked by a physician and behavioural scientist who were involved with the care of the participant.…”

“…The primary objective of this study was to examine whether BLT is effective in decreasing depressive symptoms in two BLT intervention groups compared to no‐BLT 1 week after the end of BLT. The Depressive Mood subscale (13 items) of the Anxiety, Depression And Mood Scale (ADAMS) was used to study these depressive symptoms prior to BLT (baseline, T0) and 1 week after BLT (T1) (Hamers, van Ool, et al, 2018; Hermans & Evenhuis, 2013; Hermans et al., 2012). The measurements in the control group (no‐BLT) had the same frequency.…”

Mood, anxiety, and perceived quality of life in adults with epilepsy and intellectual disability

“…The validity and reliability of this structure was investigated in two Dutch samples, one sample older than 50 years of age (N = 198) and one adult sample below 50 years of age (N = 975), 13,15 and was found to be fair to good. The ADAMS consists of 28 items which had to be rated by one professional caregiver on a 4-point scale, ranging from never/no problem to often/severe problem.…”

“…TRIANGLE is approved by the medical-ethical committee of Kempenhaeghe (No. 15.01), and the medical-ethical committee of Erasmus University medical center concluded that the rules laid down in the Medical Research Involving Human Subjects Act do not apply to this study (MEC-2016-408).…”

“…The Dutch translation of the ADAMS consists of a four-factor structure: depressive mood, anxiety, social avoidance, and other problems. The validity and reliability of this structure was investigated in two Dutch samples, one sample older than 50 years of age (N = 198) and one adult sample below 50 years of age (N = 975), 13,15 and was found to be fair to good. Higher scores on (sub) scales are indicative of more anxiety or negative mood.…”