Relationship of M.S. Belief Scale scores to depression and anxiety in hospitalized psychiatric patients

The M.S. Belief Scale (MSB) was administered to 61 psychiatric hospital patients on admission and just prior to discharge. Measures of depression and anxiety were also taken before and after hospital treatment. MSB prescores were positively correlated with presenting levels of depression and anxiety. Furthermore, declines in irrational thinking after a treatment program of cognitive-behavioral therapy were associated with declines in levels of depression. Initial levels of irrational thinking did not accurately predict length of hospital stay. The MSB scores for these patients at admission were considerably higher than for other populations previously reported. However, their discharge levels were comparable to normal levels reported by others. The results suggest a relationship between irrational thinking and depression for hospitalized psychiatric patients.Dr. Templeman is a licensed psychologist in private practice in Pendleton, Oregon.