Factor structure of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale in Japanese psychiatric outpatient and student populations

Abstract

Background: The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) is a common screening instrument excluding somatic symptoms of depression and anxiety, but previous studies have reported inconsistencies of its factor structure. The construct validity of the Japanese version of the HADS has yet to be reported. To examine the factor structure of the HADS in a Japanese population is needed.

Postnatal depression, maternal bonding failure, and negative attitudes towards pregnancy: a longitudinal study of pregnant women in Japan

“…We substituted mean values for missing HADS items unless more than six HADS items were missing. The Japanese version's factor structure was consistent with reports from Western countries (Matsudaira et al 2009). …”

Psychological well-being, depression, and anxiety in Japanese university students

“…The HADS was translated into Japanese by Kitamura. [31] Although initially the HADS was designed to identify depression and anxiety among a clinical population, Matsudaira et al [32] have confirmed that this measurement also fits nonclinical populations.…”

Efficacy and safety of an amino acid jelly containing coenzyme Q10 and l-carnitine in controlling fatigue in breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy: a multi-institutional, randomized, exploratory trial (JORTC-CAM01)

“…The HADS has been validated and is widely use to assess anxiety and depression in cancer patients [28]. The construct validity of the Japanese version of the HADS was reported by Matsudaira et al [29]. Seven items each assess anxiety and depression.…”