The validation of the Hungarian version of the dimensional Yale-Brown obsessive-compulsive scale

Abstract

Background: The Obsessive-Compulsive disorder (OCD) has a complex phenotype, which can be summarized by using a few consistent and temporally stable symptom dimensions. The dimensional approach derived from the systematic factor analytic studies of OCD symptoms. In 2006, a new psychometric scale was created by M.C. Rosario-Campos and her colleague, the Dimensional Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (DY-BOCS). This scale measures the presence and severity of obsessive-compulsive (OC) symptoms within six distinct dimensions. The Hungarian translation of the test and preliminary results were published in 2009.

Purpose: The objective of this recent study was two folded: on one hand, our goal was to validate the Hungarian version of the DY-BOCS on a larger sample size. On the other hand, we wanted to publish our results gained by the Hungarian version of the test in English.

Methods: We assessed 30 Hungarian patients diagnosed with OCD by DSM-IV. Reliability and validity of the expert and of the self-report were estimated.

Results: Self-report and expert ratings were highly correlated. The global DY-BOCS score was well correlated with the total Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale score. The internal validity of the symptom dimensions and the global severity score were high. Divergent validity was also good.

Conclusion: These results indicate that the Hungarian version of the DY-BOCS is a reliable and valid clinical tool.