Comparison of the internal state scale to clinician-administered scales in asthma patients receiving corticosteroid therapy

Mood symptoms are reported frequently in asthma patients, particularly during corticosteroid therapy. This investigation compared the Internal State Scale (ISS), a self-report measure of symptoms of mania and depression, to the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD), Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS), and Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) in a group of asthma patients (n=60 at baseline) before, during, and after a 1-2 week burst of prednisone. The depression and well being subscales of the ISS correlated well with HDRS scores. The perceived conflict subscale correlated with the BPRS scores. However, none of the ISS subscales correlated consistently and specifically with the YMRS in this population. Possible explanations for differences observed in bipolar versus asthma patients given the ISS are discussed. These data suggest the ISS may be a useful tool for depression symptoms and overall psychopathology in asthma patients and in patients receiving corticosteroid therapy. However, its ability may be attenuated outside of the population for which it was designed.