The Youth Self-Report (YSR) and the Depression Self-Rating Scale (DSRS) as Measures of Depression and Suicidality Among Adolescents

237 adolescents completed the Youth Self Report (YSR) & the Depression Self Rating Scale (DSRS). Self-reported suicidality & biographical data were also recorded. The school doctor & nurse assessed the adolescents’ somatic, psychological, & behavioural problems using school health-records. The convergent validity of the YSR total problems scale & syndrome scales were tested against the DSRS. The Internalising & Anxious/Depressed syndrome scales of the YSR had the highest correlation with the DSRS. However, all YSR syndrome scales were significantly, though more modestly, correlated with the DSRS. 4 YSR sub-scales (Social Withdrawal, Anxious/Depressed, Attention problems & Delinquency) predicted mild-severe self-reported depression. The YSR syndrome scales Anxious/Depressed & Delinquency predicted suicide attempts. (46 refs)