Mental state exam checklist

: contribuição para a validação de um instrumento de avaliação do estado ment

Abstract

Although there are mental states assessment tools that evaluate altered states of consciousness, arising out of the use of psychoactive substances, these are scarce, especially if we consider their application in a naturalistic context. This study aims at General, the contribution to the validation of an instrument for assessing the mental state (Mental State Exam Checklist), designed to assess changes in mental states due to a crisis experience, related to the use of psychoactive substances. To evaluate the internal consistency of this instrument we did psychometric analyses, using the values of Cronbach's Alpha, obtained in each of the dimensions that make up this instrument. Construct validity was analysed using the discriminant validity values. To do this, we compared the evaluations of the mental state of a group of individuals that were under the effect of psychoactive substances, with a group of individuals who were in a normal state. We appealed also to an inter-observers agreement, in order to contribute to the validity of the construct. Cronbach's Alpha values indicated very good levels of internal consistency, in all the dimensions that constitute the instrument, suggesting a high degree of reliability. This instrument also revealed their ability to assess what proposes to evaluate. In General, the Mental State Exam Checklist has proved to be an instrument to assess changes in mental status, induced by psychoactive substances However, there is a need for an increase in the sample and the use of psychometric methods more precise, in order to obtain higher levels of validity.

Date of Award	Jul 2012
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Pedro Dias (Supervisor) & Maria Carmo Carvalho (Co-Supervisor)