Assessment of depression and diagnosis of depressive disorder among psychiatrically disturbed children.

This study examined the relations between performance on alternative measures of childhood depression and diagnosis of depressive disorder. Hospitalized inpatient children (N = 170, ages 7-13) with a diagnosis of depressive disorder (Research Diagnostic Criteria) were compared with a matched sample of patients whose diagnoses excluded depression. Children and parents completed four standardized depression scales plus measures designed to assess associated features including hopelessness, self-esteem, and internalizing symptoms.

Validation of hospital discharge diagnosis data for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and other allied conditions.

The assumption that discharge diagnoses of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and other allied conditions accurately reflect patient medical records was tested using a sample of 553 hospital discharges from the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area. Three validation criteria were used in reviewing patient hospital records: 1) the presence of abnormal spirometry test results; 2) reference made to a previous diagnosis of one of the conditions; and 3) reports of respiratory symptoms consistent with these conditions. The findings were that 1 per cent of the 432 cases with a primary diagnosis in this disease category and 10 per cent of the 121 cases with a primary diagnosis of heart disease and a secondary diagnosis in this disease category were not supported by any of the selected criteria.