Validity and Reliability of the Turkish version of DSM-5 Depression Severity Scale-Child Form

Objective: This study aimed to assess the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of DSM-5 Depression Severity Scale-Child Form. Methods: The scale was prepared by carrying out the translation and back-translation of DSM-V Depression Severity Scale-Child Form. Study group consisted of 46 patients that have been treated in a child psychiatry unit and diagnosed with depressive disorder and 135 healthy volunteers that were attending middle or high school during the study period. For the assessment, Child Depression Inventory (CDI) was used along with DSM-5 Depression Severity Scale-Child Form. Results: Regarding reliability analyses, Cronbach’s alpha internal consistency coefficient was calculated as 0.911 while item-total score correlation coefficients were measured between 0.579 and 0.801. As for construct validity, a factor that could explain 59.2% of the variance was obtained and was consistent with the original structure of the scale. In the concurrent validity analysis, the scale showed a very high correlation with Child Depression Inventory with a correlation coefficient value measured as r=0.847. Conclusion: It was concluded that Turkish version of DSM-5 Depression Severity Scale-Child Form could be utilized as a valid and reliable tool both in clinical practice and for research purposes. [Anadolu Psikiyatri Derg 2017; 18(3.000): 237-242]