Investigation of the Sensitivity and Specificity of the Persian Version of the New Multidimensional Depression Scale in Diagnosing Depressive Disorder

Objectives:  The accuracy of diagnosis in mental disorders, such as depression is the basis of correct treatment. The present study aimed to investigate the sensitivity and specificity of the new multidimensional depression scale in diagnosing depressive disorder. Methods: Two groups of participants were assessed by the new multidimensional depression scale (NMDS) and structured clinical interview for axis I disorders (SCID-I). The experimental group included 55 outpatientswith major depressive disorder selected via the convenience sampling method. The control group included 95 university students recruited via a multi-stage cluster sampling method. Data were analyzed by receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis to achieve the cut-off score. Results: Based on the results of the ROC analysis, the cutoff score of 106 was the intersection of the two sensitivity and specificity indices, where these two indices have an optimal relationship. This score simultaneously provided the lowest number of false positives and false negatives compared to other scores. Conclusion: It can be acknowledged that the present study supports the clinical efficacy of the new multidimensional depression scale as a screening instrument for diagnosing depressive disorder.