Validation of a Spanish version of the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS)

Rev Psiquiatr Salud Ment. 2016 Jul-Sep;9(3):134-42. doi: 10.1016/j.rpsm.2016.02.002. Epub 2016 May 2.
[Article in English, Spanish]

Abstract

Objective: To examine the psychometric properties of a Spanish version of the C-SSRS (Sp-CSSRS).

Method: Data are from a naturalistic, cross-sectional, multicentre, validation study, including 467 psychiatric outpatients, 242 of whom had a history of suicide attempt. The study measures were: C-SSRS; the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS); the Beck Suicide Intent Scale; the Medical Damage Scale.

Results: Construct validity: Pearson coefficient between the C-SSRS severity (C-Sev) and intensity (C-Int) of ideation subscale scores was 0.44 (P<.000) for the total sample. Likewise, Pearson coefficient between C-Sev score and HDRS item 3 was 0.56 (P<.000). For the sub-sample of patients with suicide attempt, significant Pearson correlations were found between the C-Sev and the Beck Suicide Intent Scale scores (r=0.22; P=.001). Discriminant validity: Significant differences were found in C-Sev and C-Int scores between patients with and without suicide attempt (P<.000). The C-Sev score discriminated between patients based on HDRS item 3 (P<.009). Sensitivity to change: Linear regression showed that a one-unit decrease in HDRS item 3 corresponded to a decrease of 5.08 units in the C-Sev score (P=.141). A one-unit change in HDRS item 3 corresponded to a change of 13.51 on the C-Int assessments (P=.007). Cronbach's alpha was 0.53 for C-Int. The principal component analysis identified 2 components that explain 55.66% of the total variance (C-Int).

Conclusion: The data support that the Sp-C-SSRS is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing suicidal ideation and behaviour in daily clinical practice and research settings.

Keywords: Assessment; Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale; Conducta suicida; Evaluación; Ideación suicida; Propiedades psicométricas; Psychometric properties; Suicidal behaviour; Suicidal ideation.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study
  • Validation Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Linear Models
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Principal Component Analysis
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales*
  • Psychometrics
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Spain
  • Suicidal Ideation*
  • Suicide, Attempted / psychology*
  • Translations