Title
Distinguishing symptom dimensions of depression and anxiety: An integrative approach
Author
den Hollander-Gijsman, M.E.
Wardenaar, K.J.
de Beurs, E.
van der Wee, N.J.A.
Mooijaart, A.
van Buuren, S.
Zitman, F.G.
Publication year
2012
Abstract
Background: Clark and Watson developed the tripartite model in which a symptom dimension of 'negative affect' covers common psychological distress that is typically seen in anxious and depressed patients. The 'positive affect' and 'somatic arousal' dimensions cover more specific symptoms. Although the model has met much support, it does not cover all relevant anxiety symptoms and its negative affect dimension is rather unspecific. Therefore, we aimed to extend the tripartite model in order to describe more specific symptom patterns with unidimensional measurement scales. Method: 1333 outpatients provided self report data. To develop an extended factor model, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted in one part of the data (n = 578). Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted in the second part (n = 755), to assess model-fit and comparison with other models. Rasch analyses were done to investigate the unidimensionality of the factors. Results: EFA resulted in a 6-factor model: feelings of worthlessness, fatigue, somatic arousal, anxious apprehension, phobic fear and tension. CFA in the second sample showed that a 6-factor model with a hierarchical common severity factor fits the data better than alternative 1- and 3-factor models. Rasch analyses showed that each of the factors and the total of factors can be regarded as unidimensional measurement scales. Limitations: The model is based on a restricted symptom-pool: more dimensions are likely to exist. Conclusion: The extended tripartite model describes the clinical state of patients more specifically. This is relevant for both clinical practice and research. © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Subject
Human
LS - Life Style
BSS - Behavioural and Societal Sciences
Healthy for Life
Healthy Living
Anxiety
Depression
Dimensional psychopathology
Outpatients
Tripartite model
To reference this document use:
http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:95a96bfb-4ef3-458f-bcc6-429e63654a3f
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2011.10.005
TNO identifier
446881
ISSN
0165-0327
Source
Journal of Affective Disorders, 136 (3), 693-701
Document type
article