FAQs
What is the Quality of Life in Depression Scale (QLDS)?
The Quality of Life in Depression Scale (QLDS) is a specialized psychometric instrument designed to measure the impact of depression on various aspects of daily life and overall quality of life.
Who developed the QLDS and when?
Developed by Hunt SM and McKenna SP, and first published in 1992.
What type of assessment is the QLDS?
It is a self-report questionnaire specifically designed for individuals with depression.
What does the QLDS assess?
- Impact of depression on work and productivity
- Effects on leisure activities and hobbies
- Influence on interpersonal relationships
- Impact on physical health and well-being
- Effects on self-esteem and self-worth
- Impact on daily coping abilities
- Effects on motivation and energy levels
- Influence on concentration and focus
- Impact on sleep patterns
- Effects on appetite and eating habits
- Overall enjoyment of life
- Impact on decision-making abilities
- Effects on memory function
- Influence on social life and interactions
- Impact on family relationships
- Effects on sexual functioning
- Influence on financial situation
- Impact on future outlook and hope
- Effects on sense of purpose and meaning
- Impact on ability to relax
- Influence on hobbies and interests
- Effects on physical appearance
- Impact on emotional expression
- Influence on spiritual or religious life
- Effects on future planning abilities
- Impact on sense of humor
- Influence on learning new things
- Effects on ability to trust others
- Impact on ability to forgive
- Influence on helping others
- Effects on overall sense of well-being
- Impact on finding meaning in life
How many items and what format?
34 items, rated on a 6-point scale (Not at all to Extremely affected by depression).
How is the QLDS scored?
Total score ranges from 0-170. Lower scores indicate better quality of life (less depression impact); higher scores indicate greater depression-related impairment.
Are there versions of the QLDS?
Standard 34-item version; some adaptations exist for different cultural contexts or specific depression populations.
Who can use the QLDS?
Adults with depression, mental health professionals, researchers studying depression outcomes, and clinical trial investigators.
What are the strengths of the QLDS?
Comprehensive assessment of depression impact, excellent psychometric properties, sensitive to treatment changes, and specifically designed for depression populations.
What are the limitations of the QLDS?
Requires reading ability and self-reflection; may not capture all aspects of quality of life; self-report format subject to response bias.
How is the QLDS used?
Clinical assessment of depression severity, treatment outcome monitoring, research on depression interventions, quality of life studies, and patient-centered care planning.