The validity and reliability of DSM-5 separation anxiety disorder severity scale-adult form

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to assess the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the DSM-5 Separation Anxiety Disorder Severity Scale–Adult Form. Method: The scale was prepared by translation and back-translation of the DSM-5 Separation Anxiety Disorder Severity Scale-Adult Form. The study group consisted of 81 patients treated in the adult psychiatry unit, diagnosed with a separation anxiety disorder (n=36) or panic disorder (n=45), and 80 healthy controls. For the assessment, DSM-5 Separation Anxiety Disorder Severity Scale-Adult Form along with the Adult Separation Anxiety Questionnaire was used. Results: The Cronbach alpha internal consistency coefficient was 0.93 and the item-total score correlation coefficients were between 0.58 and 0.85. Test-retest correlation coefficient was calculated as r=0.989. A single factor that explains 62.77% of the variance was obtained. The factor loads of the scale items were found between 0.65 and 0.89. In the confirmatory factor analysis, the goodness-of-fit index were found to be RMSEA=0.09, CFI=0.94 and χ2/df=3.34. The scale showed a strong positive correlation with the Adult Separation Anxiety Questionnaire (r=0.76, p<0.001). Conclusion: It was concluded that the Turkish version of DSM-5 Separation Anxiety Disorder Severity Scale–Adult Form can be used as a valid and reliable tool both in clinical practice and for research purposes.