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. 2007 Sep;20(5):384-390.
doi: 10.1111/j.1468-3148.2007.00381.x.

Inter-Rater Reliability of the Diagnoses of Psychosis and Depression in Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities

S Einfeld  1 , B Tonge, L Chapman, C Mohr, J Taffe, S Horstead
Affiliations

Inter-Rater Reliability of the Diagnoses of Psychosis and Depression in Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities

S Einfeld et al. J Appl Res Intellect Disabil. 2007 Sep.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: There is a history of over-prescription of antipsychotics to individuals with intellectual disability (ID), while antidepressants may be under-prescribed. However, appropriate treatment is best supported when the diagnosis of psychosis or depression is valid and carries good predictive validity. The present authors report a study examining one aspect of validity, namely whether skilled clinicians can agree on whether an individual with an ID is psychotic or depressed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pairs of clinicians assessed 52 individuals. Agreement was assessed using Cohen's kappa statistic and agreement proportion. RESULTS: Overall agreement was high for both psychosis and depression. Whether the individual had mild ID or moderate/severe ID did not have a significant impact on agreement. CONCLUSIONS: Experienced clinicians achieved a high level of agreement as to whether a person with ID was psychotic or depressed similar to that found for those without ID. The findings provide some support for treatment interventions based on diagnosis.

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