Sensitivity to change of two depression rating scales for stroke patients.

Objective: To assess the sensitivity to change of two depression scales for stroke patients: the Aphasic Depression Rating Scale (ADRS), which is a 9-item external assessment, and the Visual Analog Mood Scale (VAMS), which is a visual self-assessment scale. Patients: Forty-nine stroke patients admitted to two rehabilitation units. Methods: Symptoms of depression were assessed twice at a one-month interval (D0—D30) using the ADRS, the VAMS, and by a trained psychologist (PSY). Sensitivity to change was assessed by effect size and standardized response mean. A one-way ANOVA on ranks was performed to determine if the scales distinguished between deteriorated, stable and improved patient statu…