Psychometric validation of the German version of the somatic symptom disorder – B criteria scale (SSD-12) in a primary care population with depression and anxiety: A COSMIN-guided analysis
Deborah van Eickels , Klara Henning , Michel Wensing , Hans-Christoph Friederich , Markus W. Haun
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Objective
Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD) is common and often underdiagnosed in primary care, especially in patients with depression and anxiety. The SSD-12 is a self-report questionnaire assessing psychological features of SSD. This study aimed to validate the SSD-12 longitudinally in a primary care sample with depressive and/or anxiety symptoms, following COSMIN guidelines.
Methods
We conducted a secondary analysis of the PROVIDE-C trial, including 365 adults with moderate depressive and/or anxiety symptoms. Psychometric evaluation of the SSD-12 used data from three time points (baseline, 6, and 12 months). Factorial validity was assessed via confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) comparing unidimensional and three-factor models. Measurement invariance was examined across gender, age, chronic illness, and study arms using multi-group and longitudinal CFA. Additional analyses included internal consistency (McDonald's Omega), test-retest reliability (ICC), measurement error (SEM, SDC), convergent validity (correlations with PHQ-9, GAD-7, RAS-G, SF-12, EQ-5D), and responsiveness (correlations of SSD-12 change scores with PHQ-ADS change).
Results
CFA supported a three-factor structure (cognitive, affective, behavioral) at all time points. Measurement invariance was confirmed across subgroups and longitudinally. The SSD-12 showed high internal consistency, adequate test-retest reliability, and good responsiveness. Construct validity showed moderate positive correlations with anxiety, and small positive correlations with depression.
Conclusion
The SSD-12 exhibits strong psychometric properties in psychologically burdened primary care patients and is suitable for screening and monitoring somatic symptom burden in both cross-sectional and longitudinal examinations. Further research should refine thresholds for clinically meaningful change and cut-off points across diverse patient groups to enhance clinical interpretability.
期刊介绍:
General Hospital Psychiatry explores the many linkages among psychiatry, medicine, and primary care. In emphasizing a biopsychosocial approach to illness and health, the journal provides a forum for professionals with clinical, academic, and research interests in psychiatry''s role in the mainstream of medicine.