Polish adaptation of the Gotland Scale of Male Depression (GDMS) by Wolfgang Rutz

Purpose: The concept of male depression by W. Rutz assumed the dominance, in the clinical picture of depression, atypical symptoms, especially anger, aggressive and risky behavior and the use of alcohol and other psychoactive substances instead of depressed mood and inactivity. One method for measuring this kind of depression is the Gotland Scale of Male Depression (GDMS). The aim of the study was Polish adaptation of the scale.

Methods: The study involved a total of 551 men. Among them, in 400, there were no mental disorders (at present and in the past) and serious somatic illnesses. Also examined 60 men diagnosed with depression, and 91 alcohol-dependent. The validated method, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), General Health Questionnaire – GHQ-28 (subscale – symptoms of depression) and Scale of Psychache by Holden et al. were used in the study.

Results: Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) indicated that the Polish version of the method is characterized by a one factor structure. Item number 13 correlates with general score very poorly. Cronbach’s α coefficient ranged from 0.85 in the healthy control group to 0.88 in patients with alcohol dependence. GDMS had a strong relationship with BDI and the GHQ-28 (depression subscale). The method differentiate healthy people, addicted to alcohol and people with depression very properly.

Conclusions: Polish version of the method is characterized by satisfactory reliability and validity. The method can be recommended for use in both scientific research and screening as well.