The development of the experiences of low mood and depression questionnaire

This paper reports on evidence supporting the Experiences of Low Mood and Depression Questionnaire (ELMD) as a psychometrically sound measure of prior experience of depression. Subscales measure severity and duration of prior depression, and current depression as identified by the DSM-IV-TR. An established self-report measure of prior depression, as well as questions about prior diagnosis, medication, subjective assessment and help-seeking behaviour were used to demonstrate construct and criterion validity in a predominantly clinical sample (N=305). Results provided promising evidence establishing the ELMD as a reliable, concise, efficient and valid new measure of both prior and current depression. Further research is recommended to establish reliability and validity with greater veracity.