Zung self-rating depression scale indices by age and gender in a psychiatric outpatient population.

Abstract

The present study was designed to assess the interaction between Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) scores, age, and gender in a psychiatric outpatient population, as well as a comparison of SDS score means between a psychiatric and a normal population. The subjects consisted of 671 females (13 years to 89 years) and 378 males (13 years to 89 years). All subjects were clients of a private psychiatric clinic and completed the SDS as part of their admission. The results indicate a significant SDS score difference between a psychiatric outpatient population and a normal population. A non-significant interaction existed when the factors Age and Gender were taken together, but when examined separately, significance was observed. Thus, it appears that SDS scores are affected by age and gender in such a sample.