Validity and reliability of the Spanish versions of the Bech-Rafaelsen's mania and melancholia scales for bipolar disorders.

OBJECTIVE: To assess classical psychometric properties of the Spanish versions of the Bech-Rafaelsen's mania (MAS) and melancholia (MES) scales.

METHOD: Observational, prospective, and multicentric study in bipolar out-patients. Convergent validity was assessed against the Young Mania Rating Scale and the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale. Discriminant validity, reliability, and sensitivity to change, were also assessed.

RESULTS: One hundred and thirteen bipolar patients with a manic episode and 102 bipolar patients with a depressive episode were included. Both the MAS and the MES showed appropriate convergent validity (r > 0.90), discriminant validity (P < 0.0001), internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha >0.80), test-retest reliability [intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.69 for the MAS and 0.94 for the MES], inter-rater reliability (ICC > 0.80), and sensitivity to change at 4 weeks since inception (P < 0.0001; within-group effect size >or=1.8).

CONCLUSION: The Spanish versions of both scales present appropriate psychometric estimates in bipolar patients treated in ambulatory care.