Validity and reliability of the Functioning Assessment Short Test (FAST) in bipolar disorder
Author Information
Author(s): Rosa Adriane R, Sánchez-Moreno Jose, Martínez-Aran Anabel, Salamero Manel, Torrent Carla, Reinares Maria, Comes Mercè, Colom Francesc, Van Riel Willemijn, Ayuso-Mateos Jose Luis, Kapczinski Flávio, Vieta Eduard
Primary Institution: Bipolar Disorders Program, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona
Hypothesis
The study aims to validate the Spanish version of the FAST for assessing functional impairment in subjects with bipolar disorder.
Conclusion
The FAST showed strong psychometric properties and was able to detect differences between euthymic and acute BD patients.
Supporting Evidence
- The internal consistency obtained was very high with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.909.
- A highly significant negative correlation with GAF was obtained (r = -0.903; p < 0.001).
- Test-retest reliability analysis showed a strong correlation (ICC = 0.98; p < 0.001).
- Total FAST scores were lower in euthymic patients compared to manic and depressive patients.
Takeaway
The FAST is a quick and easy test that helps doctors understand how well people with bipolar disorder are functioning in their daily lives.
Methodology
101 patients with DSM-IV TR bipolar disorder and 61 healthy controls were assessed using the FAST to analyze its psychometric properties.
Limitations
The study may not generalize to all populations due to the specific sample and setting.
Participant Demographics
Mean age of bipolar patients was 45 years, with 51.5% being women.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
95%CI: (0.809, 0.917)
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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