Hypomania in depressed patients is under-recognised and bipolar disorder is consequently under-diagnosed. Important information can be collected by self-assessment screening questionnaires, such as the Hypomania Checklist-32 (HCL-32).
The objective of the BRIDGE study is to investigate transcultural differences in the self-perceived symptoms and consequences of hypomania using the HCL-32.
Across cultures the two-factor structure of the HCL-32 can be confirmed. The HCL-32 is partially measurement invariant (i.e. its items measure the underlying factors of hypomania in the same way across cultures), but shows some item variation depending on the cultural context, especially regarding the use of substances.
Northern Europeans expressed more the active/elated aspects of hypomania, whereas Eastern Europeans more the irritable, risk-taking and substance-use aspects. The HCL-32 is suitable as a screening instrument across cultures.
I welcome comments and discussion from individuals regarding the utility of this questionnaire and its results in the clinic.
This post was submitted by Prof Jules Angst.
The BRIDGE study is exciting — it reveals how helpful it can be to use the same methods across a variety of different countries and cultures. Using the same “mood meter sticks” will reveal many differences as well as similarities. Please let us know as more findings become available from this line of inquiry.