Predictive validity of WAIS-R VIQ-PIQ splits in persons with major depression

J Clin Psychol. 1999 Apr;55(4):519-24. doi: 10.1002/(sici)1097-4679(199904)55:4<519::aid-jclp14>3.0.co;2-b.

Abstract

We selected a sample of patients with depression (N = 70) and used Bayesian analyses to examine the diagnostic predictive validity of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised Verbal IQ (VIQ) minus Performance IQ (PIQ) difference score for depression. The patients showed average VIQ-PIQ differences in the expected direction (i.e., VIQ > PIQ). However, based on sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value statistics, we concluded that the VIQ-PIQ split has very low predictive validity in persons with depression.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Bayes Theorem
  • Depressive Disorder / diagnosis*
  • Depressive Disorder / psychology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Psychometrics
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Wechsler Scales / statistics & numerical data*