Short versions of the 32-item Hypomania Checklist: A systematic review

Purpose: Bipolar disorder (BD) is frequently misdiagnosed, which can lead to negative outcomes. The 32-item Hypomania Checklist (HCL-32) is one of the most widely used self-reported screening instruments for hypomanic symptoms, which has several short versions. This systematic review examined the psychometric properties of HCL-32 short versions.

Design and methods: Five international databases were systematically and independently searched by two researchers for studies that developed the HCL short versions. Basic demographic and clinical characteristics and the psychometric properties of the HCL short versions were recorded.

Findings: Eighteen studies were identified. The majority of the HCL short versions showed satisfactory to good psychometric properties.

Practice implications: Validated HCL short versions with satisfactory psychometric properties may be helpful in screening for BD.